How To Eat A Papaya. Everything You Need To Know.

Papayas are a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. But if you've never eaten one before, you may be unsure of how to prepare it. How to eat a papaya is a common question for anyone who may not live in a tropical country where Papayas are native. In this guide, I'll walk you through the steps of selecting, cutting, and enjoying a ripe papaya. Get ready to savour the sweet and juicy flesh of this tropical treat!

Choose a ripe papaya.

The first step to enjoying a delicious papaya is selecting a ripe one. Look for papayas that are mostly yellow with a few green spots. Avoid papayas that are mostly green or have soft spots, as they may be overripe or spoiled. A papaya that is mostly yellow with a few green spots is favourable over a papaya that is mostly yellow with a few dark soft spots. You can also gently press the skin of the papaya - if it gives slightly, it's likely ripe and ready to eat.

Wash the papaya.

Before cutting into your papaya, it's important to wash it thoroughly. Use cool running water and gently scrub the skin with a clean brush to remove any dirt or bacteria. Dry the papaya with a clean towel before proceeding to cut it open. This step is crucial to ensure that you are consuming a clean and safe fruit. Remember that our fruits often travel a long way before they get to us!

Cut the papaya in half.

Once you have washed and dried your papaya, it's time to cut it open. Using a sharp knife, cut the papaya in half lengthwise. You will see the seeds in the center of the fruit (see the photo of me holding the papaya).

Scoop out the seeds.

After cutting your papaya in half lengthwise, you will see the seeds in the center of the fruit. The seeds are actually edible (you can read more on this below), but for the purpose of eating the papaya flesh, this guide recommends that you remove them. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and discard them. Once the seeds are removed, you can enjoy the delicious and juicy flesh of the papaya in a variety of ways.

Scoop out the flesh or peel the skin and cut the papaya into slices or cubes.

Once you have removed the seeds from your papaya, you can choose to either scoop out the flesh or peel the skin and cut the fruit into slices or cubes. If you prefer to scoop out the flesh, simply use a spoon to scoop it out of the skin. This is ideal if you are planning to eat the whole thing yourself!

If you want to cut the papaya into slices or cubes, I recommend that you use a peeler to carefully remove the skin. You can also use a knife to remove the skin. This ensures that no hard skin is left on the soft juicy papaya, however it will result in more wastage of the fruit. For this reason I prefer to use a peeler. It may take 2 or 3 times of peeling the same location of the fruit to remove the entire skin.

Then, cut the fruit into your desired shape and size. The sweet and juicy flesh of the papaya is perfect for adding to smoothies, salads, or enjoying on its own as a healthy snack.

Are the papaya seeds edible?

Yes, papaya seeds are edible. In fact, they are often used in various cuisines for their slightly peppery taste and crunchy texture. Papaya seeds are commonly used as a spice in dressings, marinades, and sauces, and can also be roasted and ground as a substitute for black pepper.

However, it is important to note that consuming large quantities of papaya seeds can be harmful, as they contain a high concentration of a compound called carpaine, which can be toxic in large amounts. Therefore, it is recommended to consume papaya seeds in moderation, and to avoid them altogether if you are pregnant.

Creative Ways on How To Eat A Papaya

Papaya is a tropical fruit that is not only delicious but also packed with essential vitamins and nutrients. Eating papaya is easy and there are many ways to enjoy it. You can slice it up and eat it fresh, add it to smoothies, or even use it in salads. In this article, we'll explore some of the most delicious ways to eat this sweet and juicy fruit. Here are 11 creative ways for how to eat a papaya!

1. Fresh Papaya With Lime Juice And Salt

This is my absolute favourite way to eat papaya! Simply squeeze a little bit of fresh lime juice and sprinkle some salt on the fresh papaya and enjoy immediately! I show you exactly how on my TikTok too!

@simplegreensoul Did you know this delicious hack for papaya? Truly👌 #malaysianfruit #tropicalfruitbox #healthyfruits ♬ How`s Your Day - aAp Vision

2. Fresh Papaya With Salted Plum or Asam Boi

Another way to enjoy papaya is with salted plum powder, also known as Asam Boi powder in Malaysia. Similar to the lime juice and salt, this adds a sweetness and saltiness to the fresh papaya. I learnt this one from Malaysians, you can see how to eat papaya like this on my TikTok.

3. Fresh Papaya Salad

One of the easiest and most delicious ways to enjoy papaya is in a fresh salad. Simply dice fresh papaya, mix it with some sliced red onion, chopped cilantro, squeeze the juice of a whole lime, and sprinkle with a little bit of salt for a refreshing and light salad.

4. Papaya Smoothie

Papaya is an excellent addition to smoothies. Simply blend fresh papaya with some plant milk, condensed milk or maple syrup, and ice for a refreshing and healthy breakfast or snack. Watch my recipe on my TikTok too!

5. Papaya Salsa

For a delicious and unique twist on traditional salsa, try making papaya salsa. Simply dice fresh papaya, mix it with diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Serve with tortilla chips for a fresh and flavourful snack.

6. Papaya Chutney

Papaya chutney is a sweet and spicy condiment that's perfect for pairing with grilled meats or vegetables. To make it, simply simmer diced papaya with vinegar, sugar, and spices until it thickens to a jam-like consistency.

7. Grilled Papaya

Grilling papaya caramelizes the natural sugars and intensifies the flavour. Simply slice papaya into wedges, brush with maple syrup, and grill until slightly charred. Serve with dairy free yogurt or ice cream for a delicious and healthy dessert.

8. Papaya Ice Cream

Papaya ice cream is a refreshing and unique dessert that's perfect for a hot summer day. Simply blend fresh papaya with coconut cream, sugar, and vanilla extract, then freeze in an ice cream maker.

9. Papaya Curry

Papaya is an excellent ingredient in curries. Simply add diced papaya to your favorite curry recipe for a sweet and fruity twist.

10. Papaya and Avocado Salad

For a creamy and delicious salad, try combining fresh papaya and avocado. Simply dice both fruits and toss with a light dressing of olive oil, lime juice, and salt.

11. Papaya Jam

Papaya jam is a delicious spread for toast, muffins, or scones. To make it, simmer diced papaya with sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until it thickens to a jam-like consistency. You can check out this recipe here

12. Papaya & Condensed Milk

This is a Malaysian recipe again, whilst I personally didn't LOVE it, it is loved by many. You can learn more on my TikTok. It is simply diced papaya with condensed milk drizzled on top.

Do you love tropical fruits?

If you loved this article, why not check out my favourite tropical fruits in asia!

I'm also well known on my TikTok for sharing knowledge, fun tips, and recipes on tropical and exotic fruit!