Tropical Papaya Detox Smoothie

This Tropical Papaya Detox Smoothie is made with ripe, juicy papaya and blended with frozen mango, pineapple, coconut shavings, and turmeric powder. It’s a delicious antioxidant-rich smoothie that’s vegan and naturally gluten-free! 

If you love papaya, you’ll definitely want to check out my Moringa Papaya Smoothie or No-Churn Papaya Ice Cream next!

The Smoothie Series continues with this Tropical Papaya Detox Smoothie! It is peak papaya season which means this beautiful, large, juicy fruit will start showing up more at your local farmers market and grocery store.

Are you wondering what goes well with papaya in a smoothie? Smoothies are typically prepared with dairy but this dairy-free beverage manages to be just as creamy and filling with the inclusion of coconut milk. Skip the refined sugar and additives and opt for a natural sweetener like dates.

What is Papaya?

Papaya is a tropical fruit apart of the Caricaceae plant family. The outside of papaya is green when unripe and turns yellowish-red when it is ripe and ready to be eaten raw. It is important to note that unripe papaya should not be consumed raw and is best used for cooking. 

Papaya Smoothie Benefits

Papaya has numerous health benefits. Not only is it juicy and delicious, but it is incredibly nutritious as well.

• An antioxidant powerhouse! It helps to reduce oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, lower disease risk in the body, and lower LDL “bad” cholesterol levels.
• Loaded with Vitamin C and Lycopene, which help improve heart health, boost the immune system, and is also amazing for your skin, reducing signs of aging.
• High in Fiber and helps to improve digestion and relieve constipation.

Coupled with ground turmeric, this smoothie is a robust antioxidant-rich smoothie that is out of this world! Turmeric is also lauded for its high nutritional value! It has quickly become my favorite spice to use and for good reason! Turmeric reduces oxidative stress, improves brain function, lowers the risk of heart disease, and reduces inflammation.

When is a Papaya Ripe?

Remember, when eating papaya raw you want to make sure it is ripe. You can tell it is ripe when the green flesh of the papaya has turned yellowish, orange or red, and soft to touch.

How Do I Pick Out My Papayas?

When I pick out papaya I choose one that is green and let it sit on my countertop for a few days. It’s easy to notice the change in color, which indicates when you can cut into this beautiful fruit! Once the outside of the papaya turns yellow it is ready to eat! When papaya is ripe, it is sweet and enjoyable!

How to Cut a Papaya

1. Cut the papaya in half, lengthwise

2. Using a spoon, scoop the seeds out of the papaya and discard them.

3. To cut cubes: cut a grid pattern into the papaya. Then using a spoon, scoop out the papaya cubes.

Tips for Making this Tropical Papaya Smoothie

• If you are new to using turmeric in drinks, use less until you become more accustomed to the flavor. Start with ¼ tsp for the first time. The next time you make this smoothie add ½ tsp and see if you enjoy the difference.
• Coconut Milk tastes perfect in this smoothie, but Almond Milk or Oat Milk (try my homemade recipe) is a great substitute if you do not have coconut milk on hand. (To note: the coconut milk used for this recipe is not the canned version. It is Coconutmilk Beverage. Here is an example)
• You can store this smoothie in an airtight mason jar and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Smoothies are best when you drink immediately after preparing.

I hope you enjoy this Tropical Papaya Detox Smoothie Recipe!

If you try the recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know what you think in the comments below! Take pictures, tag #goodfoodbaddie, and share them with me on Instagram! I love seeing my recipes come to life in your kitchen.

More Healthy Smoothies and Drinks To Try!

• Chocolate Raspberry Sea Moss Smoothie
• 16 Healthy Superfood Smoothies To Jumpstart Your Day
• Beet Ginger Smoothie
• Hydrating Apricot Smoothie
• Watermelon Chocolate Smoothie
• Spirulina Smoothie | (11g of Plant-based Protein!)
• Tropical Guava Smoothie Recipe
• Easy Frosé Recipe (Frozen Rosé)