Ripe papaya gives a soft texture

Papaya has tender flesh that blends easily, making it useful when you want a smooth drink without frozen banana. Choose fruit with fragrant flesh and some give under gentle pressure. A hard, green papaya intended for savoury salads is not suitable for this recipe. Remove the black seeds fully: they have a peppery flavour that does not belong in this drink.

Orange juice supplies both liquid and acidity. Squeeze it shortly before making the smoothie if possible, and strain out seeds. A little pulp is fine because the mixture will be blended, but bitter pieces of pith are not. The papaya weight is measured after peeling and removing seeds.

Balance sweetness with citrus

Papaya can taste mellow to the point of being slightly flat, especially when very cold. Lime sharpens its flavour while the small amount of ginger adds a warm background note. Neither should dominate. Taste before adding extra citrus because the acidity of oranges varies considerably.

This smoothie is naturally softer and looser than a milkshake. If it feels too thick, add a splash of orange juice; if it is already flowing easily, resist adding ice simply because it looks like a tropical drink. Ice will dilute the delicate papaya flavour as it melts. Chill the fruit and yoghurt beforehand instead.

What you'll need

  • 250 g ripe papaya flesh
  • 120 ml freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 100 g plain yoghurt
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • A small pinch of ground ginger

Let's make it

  1. Halve the papaya, scoop out the seeds and remove the skin. Weigh the flesh and cut it into manageable pieces.
  2. Put orange juice and yoghurt in the blender, followed by papaya, lime juice and ginger. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
  3. Taste and adjust with a little more lime only if needed. Pour into two glasses and serve cold.

Make it your own

Plain coconut yoghurt can replace dairy yoghurt for a different, coconut-accented version.

Fresh grated ginger can replace the powder; start with a very small amount and grate finely to avoid strings.

Keeping it fresh

Serve fresh. Cover and refrigerate any unserved portion promptly at 5°C or below, using it within 24 hours or earlier if ingredient guidance requires.

Allergen notes

Milk

Further guidance: Food Standards Agency: safe chilling and freezing