By Kathypatalsky
This Minted Lime Summer Fruit Cup is pink and peach – the colors of the sunset over a beach in summertime. And the flavors are tropical, zesty, sweet and bright. The mint combines with the bold lime to brighten all the sweet succulent flavors of the juicy fruits: peach, papaya and banana. This fruit cup is pretty enough to serve at a party or summer brunch – and easy enough to serve at home any day of the week.
One of my favorite flavor combinations is lime and papaya. Then I add in a splash of maple syrup – the darker the grade the better – and the caramel sweet tones of the papaya are naturally enhanced and brought forward. Yes, the taste makes me swoon and I want you to try it too! This bowl is a departure from the standard fruit cup which usually combines flavors of orange, banana – maybe apple or grape and even some pineapple or grapefruit. Delicious yes, but take a break from the norm and transport your breakfast table to the tropics with this lively cup of fruit fabulousness.
I’ve started with a papaya as my base fruit and added in sweet tropical banana and summertime tree-ripened peach to compliment.
Tell your kids that this is their tropical fruit cup – a vacation in a bowl. Their tiny mouths will pucker with delight from the zesty-sweet flavors of maple and lime. It almost reminds me of those sweet and sour candies kids love so much.
Maple Syrup. For this recipe, that grade B maple syrup you see in the ingredients really is the secret ingredient. Grade b has an extra caramel-y flavor to it from the dark color of the grade. Trader Joe’s sells it – as well as many grocery stores. If you can find it, try B – otherwise, A will work just fine too.
Modify. If you’d like to modify the fruit ingredients a tad – say add apple instead of peach – go for it. This mint/lime/maple combo really works well with a wide variety of fruit.
Minted Lime Summer Fruit Cup
makes about 5-6 cups
Ingredients:
- 1 medium papaya, – skin and seeds removed – cubed
- 1 banana, thickly sliced
- 1 peach, sliced
- 3 small juicy limes, juiced
- 1-2 tsp lime zest
- 2 Tbsp mint, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 Tbsp grade b maple syrup (grade A will work too)
- garnish: lime zest and mint sprigs
Directions:
1. Add all the fruit to a large mixing bowl. Ad in the remaining ingredients (only use half the lime zest to mix – remaining will be garnish on top).
2. Toss gently.
3. Chill until ready to serve. Can be prepared ahead of time – but papaya will break down slightly from the citrus juice if left overnight.
4. Garnish with mint and zest. Add some of the juice to each serving cup.
Food , Recipes
