Recipe: Fig and Papaya Seed Dressing

I use this dressing on everything: quinoa bowls, roasted vegetables, salads, especially kale salads, and so on. It's a staple in my fridge and great for the gut.

Papaya seeds have incredible helth benefits, such as fighting parasitic and fungal infections as well as anti-cancer properties. There are potential concerns for certain people, such as those trying to get pregnant. Asian cultures, primarily those in Sri Lanka and across India and Pakistan, have used papaya seeds as a natural contraceptive for centuries.

Pears and ginger have numerous health benefits as well, particularly for the gut. Figs are rich in fiber and prebiotics, while ginger aids in the speed of digestion.

As always, wash fruits and vegetables in vinegar before using.

I hope you enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fresh fig (leave the skin on), chopped

• 1/3 cup olive oil

• 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 3 tablespoons papaya seeds, whole

• 1 tablespoon papaya pulp

• 1 tablespoon agave

• 1-2 tablespoon(s) Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon dill (I prefer fresh, but dried is fine), diced

• 1/2 teaspoon ginger (I prefer dried, but fresh is fine), diced

• Pinch sea salt

• Pinch ground black pepper

Instructions:

• Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth

• Keep in a sealed container in the fridge. I use a Mason jar for easy access

• Lasts up to 10 days

If you don't have all of the ingredients, get creative and enjoy. Vinaigrettes come in all forms and you might invent something new and wonderful. The basic requirement for any vinaigrette is: three parts oil, one to two parts acid (vinegar), and one part zest (flavor: fruits, herbs, sauces, seeds, vegetables, etc)