Papaya, Lime and Mint Salad

I prefer mango, but papaya is also an amazing fruit, especially if paired with lime. Try to slice a papaya and eat a piece of it. Then try squeezing a few drops of limes on the fruit and taste it again: you'll see what I mean!  Sometimes I can find ripe papaya really really cheap in the Chinese veggie stores: in supermarkets they often are too expensive, and sometimes they are not ripe. I like ripe papaya, I make smoothies, or a papaya salad for dessert. 

This is my lime squeezer, my husband got it for me in NY, in the shop of the Museum of Modern Art. It looks like a little boy popping up from a basin, I don't think that it is particularly effective for squeezing, but it is cute and original, and sort of... artistic.

Squeeze one lime and place into a bowl. Add sugar (from one tsp to one tbsp, depending on your taste), mix. Cut the papaya and place into the lime mixture, stir. Add a few mint leaves and refrigerate for a few hours. This is a great dessert after a spicy or tropical themed dinner.

Photos and Recipes by Alessandra Zecchini ©