Discover the authentic taste of Dulce de Mamón, a traditional dessert made from papaya cooked in a rich sugar syrup. Perfect for sweetening up any occasion, this easy-to-follow recipe brings the delicious flavors of Latin American cuisine right to your kitchen. Learn how to prepare this delightful treat and impress your family and friends with a unique, exotic dessert

Ingredients:

  - 1 large, ripe but firm papaya

  - 4 cups of sugar

  - 4 cups of water

  - 1 cinnamon stick

  - 4 cloves

  - Juice of 1 lemon

  - Optional: 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions:

Prepare the Papaya:

1-Peel the papaya and cut it in half. Remove the seeds.

2-Cut the papaya into small, even-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes).

Cook the Papaya:

1-In a large pot, combine the water and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

2-Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, and lemon juice to the pot.

3-Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.

Add Papaya:

1-Once the syrup is boiling, add the papaya pieces.

2-Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently, stirring occasionally.

Simmer:

1-Continue to cook the papaya in the syrup for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the papaya is tender and translucent, and the syrup has thickened to a honey-like consistency.

2-If using, stir in the vanilla extract during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Cool and Serve:

1-Remove the pot from the heat and let the Dulce de Mamón cool to room temperature.

2-Transfer to a serving dish or jars. The dessert can be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Tips:

1-Ensure the papaya is ripe but firm to avoid it becoming too mushy during cooking.

2-You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your preference.

3-This dessert pairs wonderfully with fresh cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy your homemade Dulce de Mamón!

Nutritional Values :

Papaya (1 large, about 780g):

  - Calories: 280

  - Carbohydrates: 73g

  - Fiber: 9g

  - Sugars: 45g

  - Protein: 3g

  - Fat: 1g

  - Vitamin C: 312mg (520% DV)

  - Vitamin A: 3132IU (63% DV)

  - Potassium: 1572mg (45% DV)

benefits:

  - Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Papaya is loaded with essential nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, potassium, and magnesium, which support overall health and immune function.

  - Digestive Aid: Papaya contains enzymes like papain, which can aid in digestion and may help alleviate digestive issues like bloating and constipation.

  - Antioxidant Properties: It contains antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lycopene, and flavonoids, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Sugar (4 cups, about 800g):

  - Calories: 3200

  - Carbohydrates: 800g

  - Sugars: 800g

benefits:

  - Quick Energy Source: Sugar provides a rapid source of energy for the body, making it beneficial for a quick boost of energy.

  - Enhances Flavor: In moderation, sugar adds sweetness and enhances the taste of desserts like Dulce de Mamón, making them more enjoyable.

Water (4 cups, about 946ml):

  - No significant nutritional value

benefits:

  - Hydration: Water helps maintain the balance of bodily fluids, which are essential for digestion, circulation, absorption, and temperature regulation.

  - Energy Boost: Drinking water can help fight fatigue by improving the function of cells and organs.

  - Skin Health: Staying hydrated keeps the skin moisturized and can help improve its elasticity, potentially reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

  - Weight Management: Drinking water before meals can help you feel fuller, potentially leading to reduced calorie intake.

Cinnamon Stick (1 stick, about 2g):

  - Calories: 6

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Fiber: 1g

benefits:

  - Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory: Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

  - Blood Sugar Regulation: Some studies suggest that cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity, which can be beneficial for individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance.

Cloves (4 cloves, about 1g):

  - Calories: 10

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Fiber: 1g

benefits:

  - Antibacterial Properties: Cloves contain compounds like eugenol that have antibacterial properties, which may help combat bacterial infections and promote oral health.

  - Digestive Health: Cloves can aid in digestion by stimulating digestive enzymes and reducing gas and bloating.

Lemon Juice (Juice of 1 lemon, about 30ml):

  - Calories: 4

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Sugars: 1g

benefits:

  - Rich in Vitamin C: Lemon juice is an excellent source of vitamin C, which supports immune function, collagen production, and skin health.

  - Alkalizing Properties: Despite its acidic taste, lemon juice has alkalizing effects in the body, which may help balance pH levels and promote overall health.

Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon, about 5ml):

  - Calories: 12

  - Carbohydrates: 0.6g

  - Sugars: 0.6g

benefits:

  - Antioxidant Properties: Vanilla extract contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

  - Calming Aroma: The aroma of vanilla is believed to have calming effects and may help reduce stress and anxiety.

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on factors such as the specific type and brand of ingredients used. Additionally, the nutritional values are based on standard USDA data and may not account for any variations in preparation methods or ingredient substitutions.

These ingredients not only contribute to the delicious flavor of Dulce de Mamón but also offer potential health benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet.