How Do You Buy, Cut, & Prepare Papaya?
Step 1: Choose a good papaya. Papayas come in various shapes and sizes: the Hawaiian variety are smaller and are pear-shaped, while Carribean and Asian papayas are long and large, like the one pictured here. Both are delicious. Shopping Tips: When shopping for a ripe papaya, look for skin that is turning from green to yellow. Parts of the papaya may look bruised – this is normal. You should be able to press your thumb into the flesh. If it’s too soft or mushy, or if it has a sweet smell to it, the papaya is overripe. If you buy a firmer, green-skined papaya, it will ripen within approx. 1 to 3 days on your counter. Nutrition Information: Papaya was called “fruit of the angels” by Christopher Columbus, and for good reason. One of nature’s wonders, fresh papaya improves digestion and prevents heart disease, arthritis, lung disease, and eye disorders. And with it’s antioxidants, flavoniods, plus loads of vitamins and minerals, papaya will help you fight off cold and flu viruses and help k
