Papaya I don’t eat massive amounts of papaya, actually I usually only eat it when I am in a tropical place, but this one goes out to Melissa, from small company artworks. Melissa has become a big fan of the how to store & eat series and requested info on papaya. Here is what I learned from buying some and some internet research. My favorite fact is you can eat the seeds. I tried it because that is the crazy things I will do for you, my readers. They are indeed peppery and they would make a great addition to a salad.
Season: tropical, all year
What to look for when you buy: A ripe papaya will be turning from its solid green color to yellow. It should be tender when you push with your finger, but not mushy. Papaya will ripen on the counter so you can purchase one and wait a few days to eat it.
How to store it: Store them on the counter at room temperature next to your other tropical fruits.
How to prepare it: couple of options here. If you want slices you can peel the entire fruit with a knife, cut the fruit in half, scoop out seeds and cut in slices. I cut mine in half and then quarters and run my knife between the skin and fruit. This requires a little trimming to get all the peel & you lose more fruit than the first option. It is, however, faster. Third option is to cut in half and use a melon baller to make cute rounds of papaya. I am going for this next time!
How to use it: Throw it in a fruit salad is the only way I have used papaya, so far.
Links to some great papaya recipes:
Maple Roasted Papaya - Seriously, you can roast anything. I am getting a double oven in my new house so I can roast to my heart’s content!
Papaya Salsa - A nice addition to a salsa bar at your next party.
Papaya seed dressing - I am looking forward to trying this on a steak salad over arugula when I need a little summer pick me up this winter.
Chile lime papaya mango snack - A popular way to eat fresh fruit in tropical climates is with a sprinkle of chile powder, a squeeze of lime and a dash of salt. Don’t knock it ’til you try it. It brings out amazing flavor.
Hooray! I have another way to get fruit in my diet, and boy, you’ve made it easy. I didn’t realize I should store papaya on the counter. I do so love this series.
I am so glad it was helpful! Let me know if you think of other fruits or vegetables. I can always use the inspiration.
I love this series, Anne! I don’t eat papaya often either, but how delicious! Had no idea you can eat the seeds.
Susannah recently posted…Garden Bloody Mary
I’ve never cut into a fresh papaya! I need to try it out. Your tips make it so easy. I can’t wait!
Katie recently posted…Five Tips for Starting a Gluten Free Diet
We find plain papaya a little bland so give that chile lime idea some serious thought if you do!