Just a quick post today. Three of my nieces and nephews are in town for a visit and we’ve got lots of activities to check off the list. Today, we’re off to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk for some attractions and even some beach time. My days are short when I have my sisters’ children around, partly because my time management skills seem to be lacking in that department, but more importantly because I want to squeeze in as much quality time with them as possible.
I embarked on another sorbet experiment before their arrival yesterday. With an upcoming trip t0 Hawaii on my mind, I decided to use papaya for my next round with the ice cream maker. Papayas are everywhere on the islands and breakfast spreads are always decorated with beautiful papaya wedges, along with pineapples and mangoes. I’ve only ever eaten them this way, fresh, but I had hopes that the papaya would retain its appeal in frozen form.
What possessed me to add carrots to the mix I’m not quite certain. I always have a half-gallon jug of Odwalla carrot juice in the refrigerator for my husband. Normally, the juice doesn’t last more than a couple of hours with him–he drinks it like water–but this time there was enough to spare for me and my experiment.
The flavors of the papaya and carrot juice are complementary, actually. Carrot juice is naturally very sweet with a surprisingly refreshing quality when consumed very cold. Combined with the papaya, it added a touch of sweetness without overpowering the tropical flavor I was after. That said, I will admit that while I couldn’t taste the carrot in the sorbet, my nieces seem to have sensed something different. Might their vegetable antennae be stronger than I thought? Or could it be because they’re bigger fans of mangoes than papayas? No matter. Their less-than-enthusiastic reaction means more for me. Hmph.
Update 6/26/2011: Several members of my family had a taste of this sorbet today. It’s unanimous–the carrot flavor is more pronounced than I thought. If you love carrot juice this is great but if you would prefer the papaya flavor to dominate, reduce the amount of carrot juice in the recipe or omit it altogether. Family–they’re so picky.
Papaya-Carrot Sorbet
* makes about 4 cups sorbet
- 3 1/2 cups puréed papaya (4-5 Hawaiian papayas)
- 1 cup carrot juice
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup sugar, depending on sweetness of the papayas
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Combine the sugar and carrot juice in a small saucepan and heat until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add the puréed papaya and lime juice to the mixture.
- Pass through a sieve to remove any remaining solids and chill for a few hours.
- Process in ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.
This sorbet is something different since you used the carrots here. Looks thoroughly refreshing! Loved the post.
http://cosmopolitancurrymania.blogspot.com
This screams SUMMER. so refreshingly good… and yes healthy too! Enjoy your nieces and nephew. I’m pretty sure you guys will have lotsa fun outside and definitely around your kitchen table!
xo,
Malou
I can’t think of a better combo than papaya and carrot! My daughter loves papayas and next time I will make this sorbet or in a smoothie form. Sounds light, delicious and so healthy!
I am a new follower and I really like your blog. This sorbet is incredible….I want to eat my carrots after this..
Fresh papaya is one of the most stunning fruits…and your photograph did it justice! I love the sound of this exotic sorbet, and I’m so glad to hear you are spending time with those little ones. Soak up the fun! Thank you for sharing with me. I know I will always leave your blog smiling. Have a beautiful and blessed weekend.
It’s always fun to see stuff in your city that you normally don’t with visitors. This is a fantastic sorbet!
This looks wonderful! I’m trying to find more creative flavors to make popsicles for my sons and this is going on the list. Even if it wasn’t a huge hit w/ your nieces, I think my boys will love it!
That sounds fantastic! I bet that combo would be stellar as a smoothie too.
Jean, as usual this creation of yours looks fabulous! I’m allergic to ripe papaya however and won’t be able to enjoy this one. Bummer!
How I wish I could sample! Beautiful photography!
Ahhh… life is always different when kids are around!!
I love papaya almost as much as I love Hawaii. I met Felice, from All That’s Left are the Crumbs when I visited last fall, what a treat. And Papaya in the island is always a treat… I purchased some beautiful papayas a few weeks ago and has absolutely NO taste… so disappointing.
Can’t wait to hear about your trip! And as for the sorbet… not something I would have put together, but I’m really intrigued. What a wonderful, healthy treat. Nicely done!
I don’t believe I ever had papaya but this combination looks stunning!! Encouragung me to keep churning this summer:)
The rainbow papayas here in Hawaii are the best. The seeds also make a fantastic dressing that is really popular here too. The color of your sorbet is stunning and I can totally see these two flavors complimenting one another. This is just the kind of refreshment I need on a hot summers afternoon.
i would have never thought of this combination….looks yummy !
Loved the color and the unique combination of flavors. Its healthy and refreshing:)
Hi Jean! Thinking of you…I have been enjoying papaya for breakfast each morning here. This sorbet is just so beautiful and tropical!
Oh this is so creative! I wouldn’t think of this combination but on a second thought it sounds delicious!
Oh papaya sorbet would have been wonderful already. The carrot addition is a little out of the box but they the best creations were made by thinking outside the box, right? I think I would personally love it!
I’m not familiar with papaya – not available here (at least, in my market), but I love the color!
This definitely sounds like an interesting combo! Have fun with your nieces and nephews!
What an interesting combination! It looks so pretty, what a great color! Have fun with the kids, great that they are able to come stay with you for a couple days!
Fabulous flavor combo and gorgeous color! I devoured papaya nearly every day during the year I spent with my grandmother on Kauai – and every time I visit the islands. You must be so excited about your upcoming trip!
Haha I read your update saying your family is picky. LOL. I thought the combination would be really nice tho. This looks so delicious. I need to keep this recipe. Hm, I wonder if my kids would realize the carrot taste… 😉 Your beautiful pictures are very tempting…must try!
Sounds interesting and looks so pretty! I’m not very fond of papayas so I’d probably use more carrot juice and less papaya. 🙂 Sounds wonderful…especially to a carrot lover like me! I’d love to visit Hawaii one day! Hope you have a wonderful trip!
I love eating papaya – in HAWAII! 🙂 What a beautiful way to celebrate your upcoming trip (or perhaps you’ve left already -lucky!). For some reason I never pick the good papayas when I buy them here and I’m always disappointed. I much prefer to be served fresh papaya with a lime wedge on the islands. LOL. Your sorbet looks so refreshing and I love the addition of carrots. I need to breakout my ice cream maker one of these days…
This recipe sounds great. I just made a carrot orange sorbet, but the addition of papaya sounds delicious.
this recipe is not only refreshing but absolutely delicious and nutritious too. love it. =)
Wow! This looks amazing. Thanks for the recipe.