How to Cut Up a Papaya & How to Tell if It's Ripe

Although most people toss their papaya seeds, they're actually edible.

Papaya, though juicy and delicious, is daunting to many home cooks. The intimidating green skin, slippery flesh and sizable seeds can be a handful if you don't know what you're doing. But once you get the hang of it, you'll find occasion to add papaya to anything you can think of. Toss it into stir-frys like you would mango or pineapple. Add it to mixed green or fruit salads. Dip slices into yogurt or blend them into smoothies. However you choose to enjoy it, starting with a ripe papaya will make all the difference. Does this Spark an idea?

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Knife
Spoon
Paring knife

Instructions

- 1
  
  Select papayas with a reddish-orange or yellow tint to their green skin. The flesh should give slightly to the touch when pressed with your finger. Avoid papayas that are hard, completely green or overly blemished.
- 2
  
  Store your papaya at room temperature if it is not yet ripe. Within a few days, the fruit should soften and develop reddish-orange hues. Place the papaya in a paper bag with a banana to speed up the ripening process.
- 3
  
  Slice the papaya in half lengthwise with a sharp kitchen knife.
- 4
  
  Scoop out the seeds in the center of the papaya with a spoon. Though most people discard the peppery-tasting seeds, they are edible. Eat them whole or puree them into a simple salad dressing.
- 5
  
  Slice the two papaya halves lengthwise into quarters. Peel the skin off the flesh with a paring knife and discard it.
- 6
  
  Serve the papaya just as it is with a fork, or cut it into smaller pieces. Thick slices or bite-sized cubes are perfectly sized for incorporating into dishes.