Save
If you've ever found yourself staring at a papaya, wondering how to cut it properly, you're not alone. With its tough outer skin and soft, juicy flesh, it's understandable why many people feel daunted by the task. However, slicing and enjoying this tropical fruit can be a breeze with the correct technique. In this article, we'll explore the best way to cut papaya, so you can confidently add it to your next fruit salad or smoothie bowl.
What is papaya?
Papaya is a tropical fruit native to Central America and Mexico and widely cultivated in many parts of the world, including the Caribbean and South America. Papaya trees can grow up to 10 meters high and are evergreens. The fruit can be oval or oblong, with yellow or orange flesh. It has smooth, thin skin that can be either green or yellow. Papaya can be eaten raw or cooked. It can be juiced, made into a healthy smoothie, added to salads and used in desserts. It can also be used to make jams and jellies and pureed to make sauces.
How to tell if it's ripe
A few key indicators will help you determine if your papaya is ripe.
The papaya should have yellow or orange skin. If it's still green, it's not ripe yet. If it's overly yellow or orange, it may be overripe. The skin should be soft but not mushy.
The next thing to look for is the smell. Unripe papayas have no scent, while ripe papayas smell sweet and fruity.
The last step is to feel the weight of the papaya. A ripe papaya will feel heavy. If it feels light, the papaya has not yet ripened.
Check out this video from Howcast to learn how to determine if a papaya is ripe.
How to cut and slice papaya
- Cut in half lengthways.
- Scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
- Cut thick slices.
- Remove the skin.
- Serve sliced or diced.
How to eat papaya
You can serve papaya wedges for breakfast. Simply cut the papaya into wedges and serve it alongside your favourite breakfast dishes for a refreshing and delicious start to your day.
Papaya has a delicate flavour that can be enhanced by adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice. The citrusy lime flavour complements the papaya's sweetness and adds a tangy, refreshing taste to the fruit. Simply slice the papaya into pieces, squeeze some fresh lime juice and serve immediately.
If you want to have an unusual and delicious experience, challenge yourself with the dessert created by Will Goldfarb, the World's Best Pastry Chef of 2021, from Room4Dessert in Bali, who used toasted papaya.
Papaya is also an excellent addition to any fruit salad. Combine it with other tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and kiwi to create a colourful and refreshing fruit salad perfect for a hot summer day. Simply cut the papaya into bite-sized pieces, mix them with other fruits, and serve chilled. You can also add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of fresh mint for added flavour.
How to store it
Papaya can be stored at room temperature for about a week, or in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Latest
