This healthy and easy to prepare papaya and yoghurt dessert is a great summer treat and a good replacement for much richer ice-cream. I made it recently for lunch and it was a hit!
Many different fruits can be used depending on your preference, but I find papaya tastes delicious, it’s not too sweet plus it has many health benefits, too. Papaya helps with:
- Digestion, especially of proteins such as meat. It contains a digestive enzyme called papain that helps to facilitate protein digestion and detoxes the gut
- Antioxidant protection of the body tissues – rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, lycopene [1], potassium and magnesium [2]
- Parasitic infections of the gut [3] – papaya flesh and seeds are traditional food-based medicines to protect against worms and parasites, and facilitate their removal
- Skin health and appearance – it helps to gently remove dead cells and rejuvenate the skin
- Inflammation – has anti-inflammatory effect especially in joint pain and arthritis
If you’re not familiar with papaya, this is a good opportunity to try it!
Frozen papaya and yoghurt dessert
Serves 8
2 cups of Greek or organic natural yoghurt or vanilla yoghurt
½ tsp vanilla paste or extract (skip if using vanilla yoghurt)
1-2 tbs of honey or maple syrup (or to taste)
300 g peeled papaya
1 cup frozen raspberries
¼ cup chopped pistachios or other nuts
White chocolate, shredded or cut into small pieces (optional)
Line an oven tray with baking paper. Cut the papaya – chop half finely and the other half rough (2-3 cm pieces). You should have about 2 cups total.
Combine yoghurt, chocolate and vanilla in a bowl (you can make your own, see how to here [4]). Add syrup or honey to taste, then stir through the finely chopped papaya. Spread papaya yoghurt mixture in the prepared tray in thin, an even layer. Top with raspberries, pistachios and remaining papaya.
Freeze 2-4 hours until firm. Allow to thaw for a few minutes then cut or break it into bite sized pieces and serve immediately or store in a freezer for a quick treat.
You can replace papaya with other fruit such as peaches or nectarines for different look and flavour.
This papaya and yoghurt dessert keeps well in the freezer for up to a week.
Adapted from www.australianpapaya.com.au [5]
Enjoy!
Browse more of our tried and tested, healthy and yummy recipes in the Recipes Hub → [6] and key nutrition and good foods articles and guides in our Nutrition Hub → [7]
Best of Health
[8]
Joanna Sochan
Wholistic Health and Lifestyle Therapist
Natural and Lifestyle Solutions for Abundant Health
More yummy recipes
- GAPS desserts: simple and easy recipes with tips [9]
- Homemade 24-hour SCD yoghurt recipes with cow milk or coconut milk [4]
- Beautiful cakes and my 2 favourite cake recipes [10]
- Healthy homemade snacks for work: recipes and ideas [11]
- 12 Best avocado recipes: avocados for breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts [12]
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen, particularly if you are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications or have a medical condition.
Bio: Joanna Sochan is a Wholistic Natural Therapist and founder of Naturimedica Wholistic Wellcare. She has over 15 years of clinical experience working with complex health presentations, with a focus on gut health, food sensitivities, women’s hormone health (including perimenopause and menopause), metabolic health, weight regulation, and senior health. She works with clients Australia-wide and online, and also develops therapeutic programs, eCourses, and educational resources designed to support long-term, sustainable wellbeing. View full bio [13].