Food Guide
Papaya
Varieties
There are about 50 varieties of papayas, many of which are inedible and not sold commercially. Some varieties weigh up to 20 pounds (9 kg) while others average 8 ounces (227g). Most common commercial varieties, such as the Hawaiian Solo, are on the small side. Papayas with reddish flesh have a taste that differs from that of the orange-fleshed types, which are sweeter. The babáco, a natural papaya hybrid from Ecuador, is often canned or made into jam, but is also good eaten fresh.
Preparation, Uses, & Tips
Green, or unripe, papayas may be cooked like winter squash. Ripe papayas are terrific eaten plain or with a dollop of yogurt. Simply cut in half and remove the seeds; the flesh is tender enough to be scooped out with a spoon. Although papaya skin is not edible, its seeds are. Papaya seeds resemble large peppercorns and also have a peppery taste. They may be crushed and sprinkled on salads in the same way as crushed peppercorns. Left whole, they make an interesting garnish for a fruit salad. Add papaya to fruit salads or purée into a thick juice.
Storing
Ripe yellow papayas may be stored in the refrigerator for about a week. Refrigeration will also slow the ripening process in fruit intended for cooking.
Nutrition Highlights
Papaya, 1 cup (cubed) (140g)
- Calories: 55
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrate: 14g
- Total Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 3g
*Excellent Source of: Vitamin A (1,531.60IU) and Vitamin C (86.52mg)
*Good Source of: Folic Acid (53.20mcg), Potassium (359.80mg), and Vitamin E (1.02IU)