Fruit salad is probably one dish that
is made in most of the homes around the world, changing the
ingredients to fit the area and season. Here in Mazatlán
we all have our favorite fruits and our own ways of combining them.
Who doesn't start salivating at the thought of fresh strawberries,
sweet pineapple, and crisp apples all drizzled with a honey lime
sauce?
My
Mexican friends all make their own variety and I enjoy each one.
Well, most of them anyway, I just don't
like grapes and that seems to be a common ingredient in many of them.
I spoon up the fruit around the grapes so I don't have to explain
why they are still sitting on my plate.
Other
common fruits that are used here most often are papaya, mango,
watermelon, kiwi and maybe a banana. I like to use all of these
fruits. The color is inviting and the blend of flavors will
tantalize your taste buds. (some of these fruits are considered
aphrodisiacs so ...). The quantity of each fruit depends on your
particular tastes. I love more papaya and mango in my salad, with
lots of pineapple.
Don't
forget to keep the seeds from your papaya. They are edible and have
a nice peppery flavor.
To
the salad:
All
the fruit should be fresh and cut into bite-sized pieces. I like a
combination of ½ inch dice, thin slices and wedges.
Papaya
– cut into cubes (reserve the seeds but don't rinse them)
mango
– peeled and cut into cubes
pineapple,
cored and cut into small wedges
watermelon
– cut into cubes, seeds removed or purchase a seedless variety
fresh
strawberries – hulled and sliced down through the entire berry
kiwi
– peeled and sliced into rounds
honey
(optional and may be omitted)
fresh
lime juice
Place
all the fruit into a large clear glass bowl. Mix some honey with
fresh lime juice to your taste. The amount you need will depend on
the size of your salad. OR if you have opted to omit the honey,
squeeze fresh lime juice over the fruit. Toss gently to coat and mix
the fruit. Sprinkle the top with the reserved papaya seeds.
Making
fruit salad should be easy and always fresh. Never use canned or
frozen fruit. If you have other fruit in your refrigerator, use it.
If adding a banana, include it at the last minute before serving,
drizzle the slices with a bit more lime juice to keep from browning.
Have
this for dessert too. Omit the papaya seeds and drizzle some
sweetened sour cream over the top for a sweet and tangy sauce.
PDF
