Cutting into a tropical fruit can sometimes feel like a daunting task, but the papaya is surprisingly cooperative. With its vibrant orange flesh and buttery texture, it’s worth the five minutes of prep time.

Here is a guide to help you master this tropical staple. We will help you chose the right one, show you a step-by-step guide to cutting papaya and then how to store your cut papaya for future use!

What is a Papaya?

The papaya is a tropical fruit known for its sweet, musky flavor and soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency. While often associated with the tropics of Hawaii or Mexico, they are grown in warm climates worldwide.

There are two main varieties you’ll likely see at the store:

• Hawaiian: Smaller, pear-shaped, and usually very sweet with bright yellow skin when ripe.
• Mexican: Much larger (sometimes over 10 pounds!) with a slightly less intense flavor and elongated shape.

Papaya Seeds

When you slice a papaya open, you’ll find a central cavity filled with small, shiny black seeds. While most people scoop them out and toss them, papaya seeds are actually edible. They have a crunchy texture and a distinct, peppery kick, similar to a cross between a peppercorn and a radish. 

You can dry them and grind them into a pepper substitute or blend a few into a salad dressing for a spicy “wasabi-like” bite. If you prefer the classic sweet experience, simply scoop them out with a metal spoon and discard.

How to Cut Papaya

Before you start, make sure your papaya is ripe. It should be mostly yellow or orange and give slightly to gentle pressure (like a ripe avocado).

First, cut the papaya in half lengthwise. Some people also suggest that you slice off the top and bottom (the stem and the blossom end).

Then, scoop the seeds. Use a spoon to scrape out the black seeds and the thin gelatinous membrane holding them.

Next, peel the skin. Use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife to remove the skin. If the fruit is very soft, a knife is usually more effective.

Finally, slice, cube, or use a melon baller. Lay the flat sides down on the board. You can cut them into long wedges, or slice them into strips and then across to create bite-sized cubes.

How to Store Cut Papaya

Papaya softens quickly once the skin is removed. In order to keep it fresh, we recommend placing the cut pieces in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and firm for about 3 to 5 days.

If you have too much to eat, papaya freezes beautifully for smoothies. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag.

Ways to Enjoy Papaya

Papaya is incredibly versatile and works in both sweet and savory dishes:

• The Classic: A simple squeeze of fresh lime juice over the wedges enhances the sweetness and cuts through the muskiness.
• Smoothies: Blend it with some of your other favorite fruits and veggies for a perfect tropical smoothie.
• Salads: Toss cubes into a fruit salad or on top of your favorite greens..
• Salsa: Dice it finely with red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño to serve over grilled fish or chicken. 

Whether you’re enjoying it as a simple snack with a squeeze of lime or tossing it into a vibrant summer salsa, the papaya is a nutritional powerhouse that brings a taste of the tropics to any meal. Don’t let its unique appearance or those peppery seeds intimidate you!

Once you’ve mastered the simple peeling and slicing technique, it’s one of the most rewarding fruits to keep in your kitchen rotation. Keep a container of pre-cut cubes in the fridge for a quick, healthy grab, and you’ll find yourself reaching for this buttery, sweet fruit all week long.

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