Papayas widely vary in size, and are oval to elongated in shape. The thin skin is smooth, slightly waxy, and firm with variegated hues of orange, yellow, and green depending on maturity. Underneath the surface, the flesh is crisp, dense, tender, and dark orange with a central seed cavity filled with pale orange membranes and many dark brown seeds. When ripe, papayas have a creamy and smooth consistency with a tropical, musky, and subtly sweet flavor.

Health Benefits

Papayas are a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to help protect against vision loss and improve skin and hair. The fruit also contains potassium, manganese, folate, and magnesium.

Usage

Papayas are best suited for raw applications as their sweet, musky flesh is showcased when consumed fresh out-of-hand. The fruit can be sliced and eaten as a snack, cubed and tossed into green salads and fruit bowls, or blended into smoothies. They can also be incorporated into soups, chopped into salsas and dressings. Papayas pair well with coconut water, banana, mango, pears, avocadoes, lime juice, cinnamon, turmeric, chile powder, cilantro, and red onion.

Storage

Papayas will keep up to one week when stored in the refrigerator. Sliced pieces of the fruit should be stored in a plastic bag and refrigerated for 2-3 days.