Papaya Thai Basil Smoothie

Papaya Thai Basil Coconut Fig Smoothie by Integrative Nutritionist Vanessa Berenstein

I had so much extra purple Thai basil from our harvest at the kid's garden in Harlem, that I decided to do something different- make a smoothie with it! I had a big juicy papaya, some coconut milk and some delicious black mission figs... all the best ingredients for a creamy, mouthwatering morning smoothie!

Beyond tasting amazing, the ingredients in this recipe are great for skin, hair and nails! The papaya contains a digestive enzyme, papain and fiber which facilitate smooth digestion and absorption. This smoothie is also loaded with Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, selenium, and antioxidants such as flavanoids that prevent chronic disease.

PAPAYA THAI BASIL SMOOTHIE

Prep time: 8 min Cook time: 0min Total time: 8 min

Makes 2 servings (each 6 oz)

INGREDIENTS

1 cup papaya

1 cup canned coconut milk

2 tbsp Thai basil

2 black mission figs (or dates)

6 brazil nuts

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp organic Sunwarrior protein powder (or other plant protein)

1/2 tbsp maca powder

1 tsp cardamom

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tbsp coconut flakes as garnish

DIRECTIONS

1. In a nutribullet or blender, combine all ingredients

2. Blend on high until smooth

3. Garnish with coconut flakes

TIPS

You can use basil leaves and flowers for recipes that call for basil. The flowers are a bit more concentrated and bitter so you don't need as much to get the flavor.
Keep the seeds of the papaya for an anti-parasitic, anti-bacterial, liver cleansing tea. Clean the pulp off the seeds and dry them out overnight on a paper towel or plate. Once dried, steep the seeds in boiling water for 15 minutes, strain with a colander or tea strainer and drink.