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

Everything to you need to know about how to eat a papaya, how to cut a papaya, as well as some papaya recipe ideas.

After you have learnt how to eat a papaya, make sure to check out some of my papaya recipes:

• Simple and healthy papaya smoothie
• Simple and healthy papaya and banana smoothie
• 2 ingredient papaya pudding
• Baked papaya
• Papaya Boats (papaya with lime and cream)

Firstly, Why You Should Trust Me About Papaya

I personally LOVE papaya and I am fortunate enough to live in a country where they are available and fresh all year round! I eat papaya at least once a week, (but probably more). I buy my papaya from the local wet market (like a farmers market here in Asia). Therefore, it's safe to say that I have had my fair share of trying papaya, cooking with papaya, cutting papaya and thus I feel extremely confident to share with you how to eat a papaya!

How To Eat A Papaya

Papaya's 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, or how to cut a papaya, is a common question for anyone who may not live in a tropical country where papayas are native. Keep reading on as I 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 fruit!

1. Choose a ripe papaya.

The first step to enjoying a delicious papaya is selecting a ripe one. Choosing the right papaya depends on when you are eating it:

• Choose a papaya that is mostly yellow with a few green spots: if you are planning to eat it tomorrow or within the next few days. Depending on the climate where you live will answer exactly when. You can also choose this papaya and keep it in the fridge for up to 1 week. A refrigerated papaya will ripen slowly compared to one on the kitchen counter.
• Choose a papaya that is mostly yellow with a few dark soft spots: if you plan to eat it today. You can also keep this papaya in the fridge for up to 1 to 2 days.

Another way to tell if a papaya is ready to be eaten, is to lightly press the skin of the papaya. It should be slightly soft, but not overly mushy. However, this method is not recommended if you are not buying the fruit! Fruit sellers will be upset with you as this could leave a bruise and further spoil the fruit.

Green Papayas

Another way to eat papaya is to enjoy it green or unripe. Green papaya is enjoyed in dishes like the traditional papaya salad from Thailand. Today's article will only be detailing how to eat a ripe papaya. This is the most common and safest way to enjoy a papaya.

What if I have bought a green papaya?

No problem! Leave the papaya on your kitchen bench for approximately 1 week. It will slowly ripen and become bright orange, ready to be enjoyed.

2. 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!

3. 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).

3. 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, I recommend 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! Or if you are planning to make a papaya smoothie or papaya pudding.

Remove the papaya skin

If you want to cut the papaya into slices or cubes, I recommend that you use a peeler or a sharp knife to carefully remove the skin. The benefit to using a knife is that it 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.

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!

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. 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. I share this recipe on my TikTok too! . This is a great simple papaya smoothie that my readers also love!

4. Papaya Banana Smoothie

Papaya is also excellent in smoothies when combined with a sweet fruit such as banana. This healthy papaya banana smoothie recipe is ultra creamy and sweet. It's a regular healthy breakfast smoothie that my readers also love!

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Baked Papaya

Baking papaya caramelizes the natural sugars and intensifies the flavour. You can try my simple baked papaya recipe, which I highly recommend to enjoy as part of a granola cup. So delicious!

9. Papaya Pudding

Did you know that you can make papaya pudding with just papaya? You can read more about my delicious 2 ingredient papaya pudding if you want a healthy dessert or snack idea!

10. Real Fruit Papaya Roll-Ups

I used to love roll-ups growing up. But did you know that it's really easy to make your own? All you need is 2 ingredients! These papaya fruit roll-ups are the perfect lunchbox or afternoon snack.

11. Papaya Boats

A simple and delicious way to enjoy papaya is fresh, topped with cream and lime. It's one of the easiest and most tastiest papaya boat recipes!

12. 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.

13. Papaya Curry

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

14. 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.

15. 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

16. 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.

Different Types of Papaya

There are two main types of papaya's that you can buy. The smaller looking papayas that are more round are known as "Solo papayas" or "Hawaiian papayas". The larger more oblong / oval shaped papayas are known as "Maradol papayas". Both are excellent choices!

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!