In a blender, combine the pawpaw pulp, coconut milk, honey (if using), and vanilla extract.
Blend the ingredients on high speed until smooth and well-combined.
Add the ice cubes to the blender and blend again until the mixture is thick and creamy.
Taste the smoothie and adjust the sweetness by adding more honey if desired.
Pawpaws (Asimina triloba) are the largest tropical fruit native to the Eastern United States. They grow on trees and ripen in the early Autumn months. Paw paws have a custard-like texture and a sweet, tropical flavor reminiscent of bananas or mangoes (and sometimes lemon or crème brûlée). The fruit itself is green on the outside and yellow on the inside, with a few large black seeds in the middle. Paw paws are often used in desserts, such as pies and ice cream, but their versatility extends into all kinds of culinary traditions. Despite being relatively unknown in mainstream markets, paw paws are gaining popularity as more people discover their unique taste and versatility in various dishes.
Paw paws have a unique, tropical taste that is often compared to a blend of banana, mango, and sometimes papaya. They can be as sweet as crème brûlée or as fruity as a lemon. The flesh of a ripe paw paw is custard-like with a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness.The flavor of wild and cultivated paw paws can vary greatly from variety to variety, but they always taste tropical, sweet, and complex.
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Read more here about paw paws.