Papaya

The Good Food Glossary

Pronounce it: pa-pie-ah

Native to tropical America, papayas are a large fruit also known as paw-paws. They have vibrant pinky-orange flesh and a sweet, juicy flavour similar to peach. Though their grey shiny seeds are edible, they tend to be discarded.

The skin of papaya contains the enzyme papain, which is used as a meat tenderiser and also in the manufacture of chewing gum and toothpaste.

Availibility

All year round.

Choose the best

Choose yellow fruit with uniform colour and a pleasant scent. Reject any fruit with shrivelled or damaged skin.

Prepare it

Cut in half lengthways and scoop out the seeds.

Store it

Ripen at room temperature, then eat immediately.

Cook it

Eat raw on its own or in a fruit salad, or chop with chillies in a salsa.

Try

Orange soured cream cakes with syruped papaya

Can't find it

Try mango, peach or melon

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