Papaya is a tropical fruit that contains an enzyme called Papain, which aids in the digestion of proteins. The fruit is also rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, making it beneficial for your immune system. Cutting papaya can be intimidating, but it’s an easy process once you learn the proper techniques.
To cut papaya, wash the fruit under running water and remove both ends with a sharp knife. Cut the papaya in half lengthwise, right through the center, scrape out all of the black seeds with a spoon and use a vegetable peeler to peel off the skin of each half. Chop the papaya into smaller, bite-sized pieces and enjoy it as a standalone snack or as part of a fruit salad.
This article will discuss all you need to know about how to cut a papaya.
Table of contents
What is a papaya?
A Papaya is a tropical fruit in the Carica papaya species of plants. It has a sweet flavor with a butter-like consistency when ripe. The average fruit is 6-20 inches long with a diameter of 4-8 inches. The color varies from green to yellow when it’s unripe and orange or red when ripe.
Also known as pawpaws or papaws, papayas are native to the tropical regions of Southern Mexico. The fruit naturally grows in several countries in Central America, South America, Asia, and Africa. Today, it’s widely available in the United States and Europe due to global shipping and importation.
How to cut a papaya
The process of cutting papaya is simple. Before you cut papaya, you need to determine how you want to eat the fruit. If you’re going to make a fruit salad, you’ll need to cut the fruit into smaller pieces. However, if you want to eat papaya just by itself, you can choose to cut it in half and use a spoon to scoop the flesh.
What you need
- Papaya
- A sharp kitchen knife
- Wood Cutting board
- Bowl to collect the seeds and flesh
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The following steps will show you how to cut papaya:
- Wash the papaya: Before you begin, wash the papaya under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris on the surface of the fruit. Wash off any white latex sap from the surface, and the blossom ends of the fruit.
- Trim the ends: The blossom end of the papaya has a knob-like texture. Cut off the ends of the papaya with a sharp knife. The bottom ends of the fruit may be green and unripe. Some are bitter, so it’s best to remove all the ends.
- Cut the papaya in half: Use a large, sharp kitchen knife to cut the papaya in half. Cut lengthwise into the center of the fruit. The two halves should be symmetrical.
- Scoop the seeds: Use a spoon to scoop out the black seeds and place them in a bowl or storage container. You can keep the seeds and use them to grow a papaya tree at home.
- Peel using a vegetative peeler: With the halves of the papaya still in one piece, use a veggie peeler to remove the skin. Take off the skin in strips, starting from the top of the fruit and ending at the bottom end. Ensure you remove all the skin to avoid any bitter flavors.
- Cut the papaya into pieces: Place the papaya halves on a cutting board and cut them into smaller chunks. If you want to make fruit salad, cut the papaya into larger cubes. You can also cut your papaya into cubes to prepare it for papaya smoothies or eat it by itself.
How to cut papaya in different ways
Depending on how you want to eat the papaya, you can choose to cut it into slices, cubes, or chunks.
Slices: To cut papaya into slices, take the peeled papaya half and place it with the flat side down on a cutting board. You can choose to either slice across or cut lengthwise. You can also cut the slices before you peel the papaya.
Cubes: To cut papaya into cubes, take the peeled papaya half and place it with the flat side down on the wooden cutting board. Cut equal-sized pieces lengthwise and cut each piece into equal-sized cubes.
Chunks: Chunks are great for making a fruit salad or other dishes that call for chunked papayas. To cut papaya into chunks, take the peeled papaya half and place it with the flat side down on a wooden cutting board. Slice off a 1-inch piece from the center of the fruit while it is still in one piece. You can either slice across or cut lengthwise. Cut each piece into large chunks.
Types of papaya
The papaya fruit comes in more than 22 varieties with unique shapes, tastes, and colors. However, all these different types are botanically indistinguishable from each other.
The two major types are:
- Mexican papayas
- Hawaaian papayas (solo)
Mexican papayas
Mexican papayas bear hues of bright yellow, orange, pale green, or red when ripe. They are larger than the Hawaiian papayas and taste muskier and less sweet. Mexican papayas grow all year round and are available in most Latin American countries and some US states.
The most common types of Mexican papayas are:
- Maradol
- Tainung
- Royal star
These fruits have reddish-orange flesh with seeds in the shape of a football. You’ll need a large chef’s knife with a sharp blade to slice them in half without squishing the fruit.
Hawaiian papayas
Hawaiian papayas are smaller and more oblong than Mexican papayas. These papayas are yellowish-green when ripe with bright orange flesh. A fragrant aroma surrounds this fruit, with a sweeter and less musky flavor than the Mexican papaya. Hawaiian papayas feature a pear shape with a distinct nipple at the blossom end.
Some of the most common Hawaiian varieties include:
- Kapoho Solo
- Rainbow
- Sunrise
The small size of the Hawaiian papaya makes it possible to use a smaller but sharp kitchen knife to cut it in half—an excellent choice to cut into bite-sized pieces for small children.
How to choose a ripe papaya
Choosing ripe papaya can be difficult. Below are tips to help you identify ripe papaya:
- Sightly firm flesh: When you press down on the surface of the fruit, it should yield slightly but not be too soft or mushy. You should also feel a slight give when you gently squeeze the fruit.
- Light yellow, red, or orange color: The skin of the ripe papaya should appear slightly yellow or orange to red. The skin is often green when it’s unripe, but slight green spots on the skin ripe papayas are normal.
- Smooth-skinned fruit: Ripe papayas often have a waxy feel, which helps you peel them more easily. The skin should also not have any bumps or indentations.
- Strong fruity smell: A ripe papaya will have a sweet, starchy aroma. Unripe fruit may lack the strong scent of sweetness. You can also check for a sweet aroma by smelling the stem end of the fruit.
- Watch out for mold: Avoid buying papayas with any black, soft, or slimy areas on the surface. You can also press your fingernail into the skin of the fruit and check for mold. If you notice any mold, don’t eat it as it may cause food poisoning.
How to store a papaya
Once you locate the perfect papaya, it’s essential to know how to store it.
- Refrigerate ripe papayas: If you plan to eat the papaya within a few days, you can store it in the fridge. Make sure to place it in a sealed container or plastic bag.
- Freshly cut pieces: If you have already cut the papaya, make sure to cover it with plastic or a damp towel. You can also place it inside an airtight container and store it in the fridge.
- Ripen green papayas: If you want to ripen the unripened papayas, place them in a paper bag and store it at room temperature. Once the papayas begin to soften, move them to the fridge. If you want the papayas to ripen faster, score the skin with a sharp knife to make light marks.
- Deep freeze: You can also freeze ripe papayas if you have more than you can eat or use. To avoid freezer burn, you should place the papayas in a tightly sealed container.
Ways to use a papaya
There are many different ways that you can use your papayas. You can eat the fruit on its own, you can add it to a smoothie, or you can make a juice or lassi with the fruit. You can also use the fruit in salads, salsas, curries, or baked goods.
Papaya popsicles are one of the most popular recipes for this fruit. You can make it at home with fresh or frozen papaya. To make this delicious popsicle, blend two cups of papaya, one cup of mango, and a tablespoon of lemon juice in a blender. Then pour this mixture into popsicle molds or small paper cups. Freeze until they are solid and enjoy the refreshing and delicious popsicles.
You can also serve papaya strips and chunks with other fruit and yogurt for a healthy and sweet breakfast. You can do the creamy fruit over toast or in a bowl of oatmeal. For a specialized snack, you can make papaya boats with fresh shrimp. Fill the papaya boats with cooked shrimp and diced cucumber and tomatoes for a delicious summer treat.
Health benefits of a papaya
Papayas are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for boosting your immune system. The fruit also contains beta-carotene, which works as an antioxidant to protect your body against free radicals.
Other health benefits include:
- Aids in lowering blood sugar level
- Alleviates arthritis symptoms
- Reduces the risk of developing ovarian cancer
- Aids in curing indigestion and ulcers
- It helps to lower high blood pressure
- Aids in protecting the body against heart diseases
- Prevents premature skin aging and wrinkles
FAQs on papaya
What to do with papaya seeds?
The seeds of the papaya are edible and full of nutrients. You can roast them, fry them, or grind them to make chutneys. Some people throw away the seeds, thinking that it’s full of toxins. The crunchy and sweet seeds can add extra taste to salads, tacos, and many other dishes.
Can you eat papaya skin?
The skin isn’t poisonous, but it is tough and bitter. Some people love to eat the skin, especially in Asia, where papaya salad is trendy. However, it’s best to stick with the flesh for a sweeter and more delicious treat.
What is papaya supposed to taste like?
Papayas tend to taste different depending on the variety. Some varieties are delightful, and others tend to be a little more tart. Overall good papaya should have a sweet and smooth taste.
Closing
Understanding how to cut a papaya and the different ways of using this fruit can help you enjoy it more. Using a sharp knife, you can cut through the tough skin and the flesh to make healthy and delicious dishes. Papayas also contain many nutrients that can improve your health, such as vitamin C and antioxidants. Visit our store to find high-quality kitchen knives ideal for cutting a Papaya.
