Papaya salad

Papaya is native to the tropics and easily available in the tropics of Americas, Central America, Mexico and is widely grown in India, Australia, the Philippines, Hawaii etc.

Ripe papaya is usually eaten raw without skin or seeds.  Papaya fruit is a significant source of vitamin C and folate.  Papayas have a high amount of pectin.

In traditional medicine, it is believed that papaya can raise the platelet levels and so papaya is used as a medicine in Dengue fever. Papaya leaves are believed to be useful in treatment of malaria.

The unripe green fruit can be eaten cooked in many subzis and stews. In Thai cuisine, Green papaya salad is very popular. Som tam, the Thai variation was listed in World's 50 most delicious foods compiled by CNN in 2011!

 Salad without peanut powder:

  

Salad with peanut powder:

                                                                                               

 

Ingredients:

•      2  Cups Green Papaya (Grated)
•      1  Capsicum (Grated)
•      1  Tomato (Grated)
•      1 or 2 green chiles (Finely chopped)
•      3 Tbsp. roasted peanuts (Coarsely powdered) (Optional)
•      Salt to taste
•      2 Tsp. lemon juice
•      1 Tbsp. oil
•      Cilantro for garnish

Directions:

1.      Peel and grate green papaya.
2.      Grate or finely chop capsicum.
3.      Grate or finely chop tomato
4.      Finely chop green chile.
5.      Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
6.      Add salt and lemon juice.
7.      Add oil and mix well. 
8.      Sprinkle peanut powder and mix well.
9.      Chill for an hour and serve.