Zoey Xinyi Gong is a registered dietitian (R.D.) and Traditional Chinese Medicine chef whose work has been covered by the New York Times, NBC, Serious Eats, Bon Appetit, and more..
September 20, 2024
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Papaya is my favorite fruit. When I was doing volunteer work in Costa Rica, I had some minor illnesses, like constipation, indigestion, skin rashes, sore throat, and a little bit of homesickness. No matter what my problem was, my host mom would always give me papaya and say, “¡Come un poco de papaya y te recuperarás!” (“Eat a little papaya and you will be fine!”)
Papaya is loaded with antioxidants, enzymes like papain, vitamin C, lycopene, and more. This smoothie adds to the healing benefits of papaya with Spirit-calming herbs like jujube dates, longan fruit, lotus seeds, and lily bulb. These sweet and mild herbs fit perfectly in a smoothie and provide additional fiber, protein, and natural sweetness. I love having this smoothie on a summer afternoon!
3 fresh longan fruit (20 grams), pitted, or dried (6 grams)
1 tablespoon (15 grams) fresh lily bulb*
Ice (optional)
*Fresh lily bulbs are preferred here. If you can only get dried lily bulbs, place 10 grams in a small pot of water and boil for 10 minutes. Make sure they are soft and fully hydrated before using.
Editor’s Note
Longan fruit is sold on Amazon, canned in some Western supermarkets, and in some Asian markets. Both fresh and dried lily bulbs are sold in Asian markets, and dried ones are sold on Amazon.
Directions
In a small pot, add 2 cups of water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Add the lotus seeds and cook, covered, until they are very soft, about 20 minutes. Strain and reserve the lotus seeds. Discard the liquid.
In a blender, add the cooked lotus seeds and the rest of the ingredients and blend at high speed until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding nut milk. Enjoy at room temperature or iced.
