Storing Uncut Papayas

Uncut papayas should be stored at room temperature until they ripen. This is crucial as the fruit requires time to develop its sweet flavor and smooth texture. Once the papaya is ripe, the best practice is to cover it and place it in the refrigerator to extend its freshness for a few days. This careful handling ensures that you can enjoy your papaya at its best.

Ripening Papayas Quickly

If you find yourself with green papayas that you want to ripen in a hurry, a simple trick is to place them in a paper bag along with apples or bananas. These fruits release ethylene gas, which significantly speeds up the ripening process. Monitoring them daily will help you achieve your desired ripeness efficiently.

Delicious Papaya Recipes

Papaya can be a fantastic substitute in any mango recipe, adding a unique flavor profile. It pairs exceptionally well with hot chilies in Asian cuisine, where it balances the heat from capsaicin. One highly recommended dish is Chrissy Teigen’s pounded Thai papaya salad. This delightful combination involves jalapeño, Thai chilies, green beans, and tomatoes, all flavored with fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Served with sticky rice and chopped peanuts, it creates a beautiful mix of textures and flavors.

For an elevated yet easy way to serve papaya, consider preparing fresh fruit sticks with lime and chili syrup. Simply skewer chunks of chilled fruit and brush them with a homemade chili lime syrup. This low-fat and refreshing appetizer or dessert is sure to impress your guests while allowing papaya to shine.