How to Eat Papayas

Co-authored by Jennifer Levasseur

Last Updated: August 23, 2024 Approved

The papaya is a tropical fruit that is filled with Vitamins B, C, and other minerals. If you are interested in trying this superfood, try one of these many preparations for the best papaya-consuming experience.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing a Papaya

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As with all fruit, papaya is the best when locally grown and picked. If it is available in your area, pick or purchase it for the best taste. If not, try to choose fruit imported from areas closest to your location to insure freshness and flavor.
This papaya is grown in Hawaii and Costa Rica, and is known for a small to medium sized fruit with sweet, yellow flesh.

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Mexican papayas are much larger than kapaho papayas, and have orange or red flesh on the inside. They are known for the tendency of having a bland or bitter flavor.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Eating a Papaya Raw

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Although papayas can be eaten at room temperature, the flavor is best when served cold. Place a whole or halved papaya into the fridge to prepare it.
Papayas are very soft and can be cut with a spoon, but for a smooth edge use a paring knife. Scoop out and discard the black seeds at the center with a spoon.^{[1]
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Run the centers under cold water to clear out any of the seeds or pulp that may make a mess when eaten. Place on a plate when finished.
The acid in these citruses help to enhance the natural flavor of the papaya. Squeeze the juice over the fruit for the best taste.^{[2]
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It should be very easy to eat the papaya if it is ripe, as the flesh will be very soft.^{[3]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Cooking with Papaya

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. A traditional Thai dish, green papaya salad combines the sweet papaya with tomatoes, chilli peppers, lime, garlic, and fish sauce. Serve it cold for a refreshing introduction to a meal.^{[4]
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. Similar to a banana bread or zucchini bread, papaya bread is a sweet dessert made from fresh fruit, nuts and spices.
. Sorbet is a fruit-based ice cream perfect for a warm day. Make papaya sorbet by blending the fruit with water, sugar, and lemon juice before freezing. Serve with fresh papaya to cool off poolside in the summer.
. For a twist on a classic shake, blend fresh papaya, milk, sugar, and vanilla. Serve in a cool glass, preferably with a bendy-straw.

Meal Ideas that Include Papayas

Ways to Include Papayas in Meals

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Should I eat the skin of a papaya?

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You could, it won't hurt you, but most people don't.

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How can I tell when papayas are ripe?

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Buy a papaya when it is half green and half yellow. It will further ripen at home at room temperature and will be ready to eat when it is predominantly yellow. Papayas will ripen more quickly when put in a paper bag with ethylene-producing fruits, such as apples or bananas.

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What's the best way to tell if a papaya is ripe?

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It is ready to eat when it is predominantly yellow. Papayas will ripen more quickly when put in a paper bag with ethylene-producing fruits, such as apples or bananas.

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The seeds and skin of a papaya can be eaten, but are bitter to the taste.^{[5]
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Papaya seeds can be used like black pepper in salads and are great to prevent parasites.^{[6]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

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Try to eat papaya only during its natural growing seasons. This will ensure the best-tasting fruit.

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