Der Birkenhof***** Spa und Genussresort Archive - GREEN TRAVEL BLOG

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Curated by Green Pearls®: Why we showcase sustainably oriented brands

Curated by Green Pearls®: Why we showcase sustainably oriented brands

Since December 1, we have featured brands on the Green Pearls® website whose products align with our commitment to sustainability. Although it’s a new step, it doesn’t feel like one.

Sustainable travel at a glance: Background, facts and tips

Sustainable travel at a glance: Background, facts and tips

If you’re like us, then you know that we can’t travel the way we did a few years ago. Maybe you’ve even changed the way you travel and are now looking for more sustainable options. Or maybe you want to learn more about the relationship…

Sustainable outdoor activities for those who don’t feel like hiking

Sustainable outdoor activities for those who don’t feel like hiking

Not too long ago, I asked a hotel if there were any outdoor activities besides hiking. The answer: “Sure, of course.” I was told I could go for a walk! But I wasn’t satisfied. There had to be more! Thankfully, I received more original suggestions from our network of sustainable accommodations—and, of course, I’m sharing them with you. Here, you can learn how to experience nature sustainably without lacing up your hiking boots!

 

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Sustainability in everyday life: Small steps make a big difference

Sustainability in everyday life: Small steps make a big difference

Sometimes, making small decisions or minor adjustments can help improve sustainability in everyday life. In collaboration with our Green PearlsⓇ partner hotels, we’ve developed ideas for seemingly minor changes that have had a significant impact on daily life in hotels. Many of which can easily…

From spiritual depth to fitness: Master Istvan on Yoga Trends for 2025

From spiritual depth to fitness: Master Istvan on Yoga Trends for 2025

Yogilates, Fascia Yoga, Aerial Yoga – 2025 will see many athletic yoga trends. But the meditative style will also be in high demand. “Right now, a lot of people are running away from themselves,” says yoga teacher Istvan. They are only “scratching the surface of…

 

A salad with tropical flavours.

The restaurant’s cuisine blends fresh ingredients with an approach that combines culinary pleasure and well-being. The avocado and papaya salad with passion fruit vinaigrette brings tropical flavours to the table and, according to the hotel, provides a variety of valuable nutrients.

  • Papaya contains vitamins C and A, among other nutrients, and is traditionally associated with aiding digestion due to its enzyme papain.
  • Avocado, on the other hand, provides monounsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber, as well as potassium and vitamin E. This combination can keep you feeling full for a long time and supports the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
  • The seeds of papaya and passion fruit contain dietary fiber and antioxidant plant compounds, while also providing a slightly spicy crunch.

 

These fruits grow in places where there is no winter

Avocados, papayas, and passion fruits are grown locally in Tenerife, meaning they can be transported over short distances. As is well known, the problem with avocados is their high water consumption. Combined with long transport distances, this results in a poor environmental footprint for these superfruits.

 

Sourcing avocados more sustainably

Through Gebana, you can order avocados from Crete, where farmers have partnered with the University of Crete to implement drip irrigation systems and collect rainwater. Harvesting takes place in November. Another option is CrowdContainer in Switzerland, where you can order organic avocados from southern Spain in May.

Papayas are often transported by air to arrive at the optimal stage of ripeness (hence their poor environmental footprint). According to the IFEU Institute, passion fruits fare slightly better because they are sometimes transported by ship. Incidentally, fresh passion fruit usually has a better environmental footprint than passion fruit juice.

Here, too, we recommend Gebana and Crowdfarming. There, you can buy exotic fruits directly from the farms you support. Since you’re buying in bulk, you can share with friends and family—or make a party-sized batch of avocado-papaya salad. 🙂

 

Summer salad with avocado, papaya, and passion fruit vinaigrette on a white plate against a bed of green lettuce

Avocado and Papaya Salad with Passion Fruit Vinaigrette

Tropical summer salad from the OCEANO Health Spa Hotel in Tenerife. Delicious, healthy, and light. Perfect for those watching their diet.
Course Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine European

Ingredients
  

  • 150 g Papaya (from Tenerife)
  • 1/2 Ripe avocado (from Tenerife)
  • 1 lime (juice) or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Passion fruit alternatively, natural organic passion fruit juice
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 tsp pink pepper
  • Salat optional (for decoration)
  • young shoots for decoration optional

Instructions
 

  • Peel the papaya, remove the seeds (set aside 9–10 seeds), and cut the flesh into cubes.
  • Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. Then, dice it.
  • Gently mix the papaya and avocado with lime juice in a bowl (this will prevent the avocado from oxidizing and turning brown).
  • In a separate bowl, combine the passion fruit juice or pulp with apple cider vinegar and olive oil.
  • Season with salt and whisk everything well.
  • Arrange the washed lettuce leaves and papaya-avocado salad attractively on a plate (for example, use a ring mold)
  • Now, drizzle the salad with passion fruit vinaigrette made from vinegar and oil.
  • For the final step, sprinkle pink peppercorns, reserved papaya seeds, and sprouts on top.
Keyword Vegan