Exotic Fruit Salad

A cool and refreshing tropical fruit salad with just enough ginger to give it zing.

Ingredients:

• 1-inch piece ginger root, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup agave nectar, light
• 2/3 cup filtered or distilled water
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 ripe mangoes, pit and skin removed, cut into chunks
• 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks
• 4 kiwi fruit, peeled and sliced
• 1 papaya, peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened
• 1 banana, sliced just before serving

Directions:

1. Place ginger, agave, water, lime zest, and lime juice in a small pan and bring to a boil on high-heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat to let cool, then blend in a high powered blender for 2 minutes or until completely blended into a thin syrup.
2. Place the prepared fruit in a large bowl, except for the banana. Pour in the syrup and gently toss. Refrigerate for 20 minutes or more for the flavors meld.
3. Just before serving, slice the banana and add it to the salad. Add half the shredded coconut and gently toss. Divide equally between 6 to 8 serving plates, sprinkle the remaining shredded coconut on top of each and serve.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.