Papaya carrot agua fresca made with papaya, carrots, lemon juice and sweetened with sugar is a refreshing fruit drink perfect for summer.

Summer is here! Bring on the papaya carrot agua fresca!

I adore sipping on a colorful agua fresca – from watermelon, honeydew, carrot, or hibiscus summertime is the best season to enjoy a tall glass of icy cold agua fresca.

Today I want to share a vibrant payaya carrot agua fresca made from fresh papaya and carrots. Fresh papaya and carrots blended in the blender with lemon juice, a little salt, water and sweetened with sugar is sure to be your new favorite agua fresca.

Agua fresca which translates to cool water is a fruit-based water made from fresh fruit and water. Agua fresca can be made from fruit, vegetables, seeds, or flowers. Sweetened with sugar, piloncillo, or honey nothing beats ah agua fresca on a sweltering day.

I like mixing it up by making my agua fresca with a combo of fruit and vegetables. A touch of sweetness from the fruit, blended with a crunch from the vegetables.

HOW TO CHECK IF A PAPAYA IS RIPE?

Look for a papaya with a yellow skin. A papaya’s skin will turn from green to yellow as it ripens.

A ripe papaya will be soft to the touch, but still firm maintaining it’s shape.

You can help a papaya ripen by placing it into a paper bag with a banana or apple.

HOW TO PREP A PAPAYA

Carefully rinse the papaya under cool water.

Using a vegetable peeler or sharp knife remove skin.

Place the papaya on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice papaya in half lengthwise.

Using a spoon, carefully scoop out seeds.

Slice or dice.

Store in fridge, covered.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO MAKE PAPAYA CARROT AGUA FRESCA

papaya, diced – I picked up a small papaya,

carrots, diced

water

sugar, piloncillo, honey, or sweetener of choice

Juice from 1/2 lemon or lime

Salt – a touch of salt makes the papaya pop!

HOW TO MAKE PAPAYA CARROT AGUA FRESCA

In a blender, add half the papaya and carrots and half of water.

Blend until smooth

Repeat with the remaining papaya, carrots, and water.

Strain, add to a pitcher.

Stir in sugar, lemon or lime juice and salt.

Serve over ice.

Author: Vianney Rodriguez

Ingredients

4 cups of papaya diced
4 carrots diced
6 cups water divided
1/2 cup sugar
Juice from 1/2 lemon or lime
1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

In a blender, add half the papaya and carrots and half of water.
Blend until smooth
Repeat with the remaining papaya, carrots, and water.
Strain, add to a pitcher.
Stir in sugar, lemon or lime juice and salt.
Serve over ice.

Recipe Notes

Serves 6