Desserts Recipes - Papaya in Jasmine Flower Syrup Recipe

Ingredients

• 105ml/7 tbsp water

• 45ml/3 tbsp soft light brown sugar

• 20-30 jasmine flowers, plus a few extra, to decorate (optional)

• 2 ripe papayas

• juice of 1 lime

Serves 2

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Method:

1. Place the water and sugar in a small pan. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved, then simmer, without stirring, over a low heat for 4 minutes.

2. Pour into a bowl, leave to cool slightly, then add the jasmine flowers. Leave to steep for at least 20 minutes.

3. Peel the papayas and slice in half lengthways. Scoop out and discard the seeds. Place the papayas on serving plates and squeeze over the lime.

4. Strain the syrup into a clean bowl, discarding the flowers. Spoon the syrup over the papayas. If you like, decorate with a few fresh jasmine flowers.

The fragrant syrup can be prepared in advance, using fresh jasmine flowers from a house plant or the garden. It tastes fabulous with papayas, but it is also good with all sorts of desserts. Try it with ice cream or spooned over lychees or mangoes.

Variation: If you don't have access to jasmine flowers, flavor the syrup with ginger, vanilla (steep a vanilla pod or bean in the syrup), or use star anise.

Cook's Tip: Although scented white jasmine flowers are perfectly safe to eat, it is important to be sure that they have not been sprayed with pesticides or other harmful chemicals. Washing them may not remove all the residue.