Q&A for How to Eat Papayas

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  • Question
    Should I eat the skin of a papaya?
    Community Answer
    You could, it won't hurt you, but most people don't.
  • Question
    How can I tell when papayas are ripe?
    Community Answer
    Buy a papaya when it is half green and half yellow. It will further ripen at home at room temperature and will be ready to eat when it is predominantly yellow. Papayas will ripen more quickly when put in a paper bag with ethylene-producing fruits, such as apples or bananas.
  • Question
    What's the best way to tell if a papaya is ripe?
    Community Answer
    It is ready to eat when it is predominantly yellow. Papayas will ripen more quickly when put in a paper bag with ethylene-producing fruits, such as apples or bananas.
  • Question
    Do I eat the seeds and if so, do they taste bitter or sweet?
    Community Answer
    Don't eat the seeds. There's nothing wrong with them, and they certainly won't make you ill, but they are quite tasteless and are not pleasant to chew.
  • Question
    Are papaya seeds good for my health?
    Community Answer
    They have anti-parasitic qualities. You can dry them, grind them, and mix the powder in with anything. Or you can consume them whole. Do not chew them as they are bitter.
  • Question
    I bought a fresh papaya that is bright yellow, but I noticed these blister-like areas on the flesh, and when pressed, a thick white substance came out. Is this normal?
    Community Answer
    The white substance could be the latex from unripe papaya. The local papayas from Malaysia are usually ripe when they’re yellow-orange. So if it’s still just yellow, it might be unripe.
  • Question
    How do I preserve papayas?
    Community Answer
    Papaya can be stored in the freezer for up to 10 months. Remove the seeds first, then cut the fruit into small pieces for storage.
  • Question
    How is pawpaw juice made?
    Community Answer
    Pawpaw juice is made by mixing one small papaya (Caribbean or Hawaiian ideally) with orange juice, lime juice, an inch or so or fresh ginger (chopped), three tablespoons of honey, and some ice. Throw it all into a blender and blend thoroughly.
  • Question
    Should I add lemon juice to the fruit?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it will bring out the flavor more.
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