Papaya
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Try our app for ad-free recipe inspirationPapaya are sweet, juicy fruit, and are sometimes called paw-paws. Discover how to buy the best papaya, plus how to prepare, store and cook it.
What is papaya?
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.
Availability
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.
Alternatives
Try mango, peach or melon.
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