Pitaya Smoothies

One of the hugest benefits of living in Nicaragua is the abundance of inexpensive, tropical fruit. We are fortunate to have a similar selection in Hawaii, but frequently, your sweet, sunrise papaya comes with a bit of a price tag. Farmer's markets have always been the best way to shop for produce on the islands and they're often enough to keep your produce supply flourishing all week long.

But here, in Nicaragua, we are even luckier because the farmer's market comes to us! Look at the cornucopia that was delivered to our front door this morning!

Do you see the pitayas, or as they say in Hawaii, dragon fruit? While researching the health benefits of pitaya this morning, I came across this interesting organization. Pitaya Plus works directly with Nicaraguan pitaya farmers to help them earn their organic certifications. They process fruit in a solar-powered facility and hire only single-mothers.  Reading a little bit about where our pitayas were coming from, made me appreciate this morning's smoothie that much more.

A while back, I promised a smoothie recipe or two. Since we're celebrating the pitaya today, I thought I'd share the contents of this mornings blender with everyone. While not everyone has the opportunity to pick up a fresh pitaya and a nice ripe passion fruit, if there ever is a time, go ahead and try this recipe.

Pitaya Smoothie

makes 3 - 12 oz. servings

2 ripe bananas

1/2 ripe pitaya or dragonfruit

1 1/2c. mixed frozen fruit

4 T. chia seed (soaked in water)

1 c. yogurt

1/2 c. Acai juice (or other liquid)

the pulp of one passion fruit

Pitayas are an excellent source of vitamin C. They are rich in iron, high in fiber, and full of antioxidants. Studies have shown that antioxidants may be effective at lowering the risk for certain types of cancer. The seeds of pitaya contain omega-3 fats which helps fight inflammation and certain autoimmune diseases.

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