Papaya is a delicious tropical fruit that is loved by many, and it is actually native to Central America. It has many different properties that are beneficial for your health, and it can be found in lots of different countries around the world.
If you have never tried papaya before, then you might be left wondering what exactly it tastes like. Due to the fact that it is a fruit, you can expect it to be sweet and juicy, but there is much more to the papaya fruit than this.
In this article, we are going to tell you everything that there is to know about papayas and what they taste like, so you can decide if this is a fruit that you want to try.
What is Papaya?
Papaya is a tropical fruit that is popular in many different countries around the world, and it has an ovoid shape with a green/yellow skin and black shiny seeds inside. It has a red tinted juicy flesh that is similar to that of a melon, and the flavor of a papaya can be described as sweet and smooth.
This is a fruit that grows on the papaya tree, which interestingly, is able to grow up to 10 meters tall. Papaya is actually one of the fastest growing trees there is, and it will bear fruit just a year and a half after the seeds are planted. One of the best things about these trees is that they will produce fruit all year round.
Where Does Papaya Come From?
The papaya is a delicious fruit that is native to both Mexico and parts of South America, and they have since been cultivated in lots of different countries around the world. This includes both tropical and subtropical areas, like the Philippines, Thailand, Australia, India, and more.
Papayas are actually quite easy to grow if they are placed in the sun and are in well-drained soil. They also need to be grown in hot to warm climates, and they can range from small to large in size. Technically, this fruit is classed as a berry, though it is not typically viewed as such.
What Does Papaya Taste Like?
The papaya is something that is not easily described in terms of its flavor, but it certainly has a really unique taste. Some people would describe it to be like a pumpkin or a sweet type of carrot, but there are a few different variations. Wild papaya is known to be much sweeter than normal papaya, with a taste that is similar to that of an apricot.
A ripepapaya is are known to be quite juicy, and have both a sweet flavor and a creamy texture. This fruit is softer than a melon, and could perhaps be described as a mix between a cantaloupe and a mango. Papayaflavor is both delicious and refreshing, but it is recommended to always avoid the unripe papaya, which don't taste the best. I prefer the Maradol papaya or Caribbean red papaya, though the Hawaiian papaya tastes amazing.
The seeds that can be found inside the papaya are usually taken out and thrown away, but they are actually edible. They can be used to dress salads and more, and they are known to have a very spicy flavor, kind of like mustard.
How to Store Papaya
You should be careful when it comes to storing papaya as it is a fragile fruit that can perish quickly. This is why it must be kept in the refrigerator when it is ripe, and it will last for around a week if you do this. When you buy unripe fruit, you should leave it at room temperature until the green skin turns yellow. At this point, you can put it in the refrigerator.
How to Serve Papaya
The best way to serve papaya is when it is cold, as this is when the flavor will be the nicest. The papaya can be cut and eaten at the point when it is ripe, and this is when it is almost completely yellow, and it is softer to the touch.
You should wash the papaya well with water and then take a knife to use to cut the fruit down the middle. It is similar to how you would eat a melon, as you will need to scoop out the papaya seeds. These black seeds are edible, but they might not be the nicest addition to fruit, which is why they are typically removed.
You can wash these seeds and save them for planting or eating, or you can simply throw them away if you do not intend to use them. Some people like to grind them up to use instead of pepper, or as a dressing on some dishes.
You can then proceed to scoop out the flesh of the papaya and start eating it. Alternatively, you can slice it up and eat it with your hands.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
