How to Cut Papaya Fruit
Papaya fruits, with their sweet and succulent orange flesh, are oblong in shape and resemble melons slightly with their firm fruit texture and sweet taste. Examine the outer skin of an oval papaya before cutting into it to ensure that the fruit is ripe. When the smooth outer skin of a papaya turns from green to mustard yellow color and the skin dents when you press it gently, a papaya is ripe and ready for cutting. Cut fresh papaya fruit quickly and easily to serve it along other tasty fruits. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Wash the papaya under cool water to remove surface dirt. Dry the papaya off. Place the papaya onto the cutting board.
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2
Remove the papaya skin with a vegetable peeler.
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3
Examine the papaya to find the stem end -- usually the smaller end of the papaya, from which the stem protrudes. Hold the papaya upright with the stem end facing up, steadying the fruit with one hand.
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4
Position the blade of the knife at the top center of the papaya and cut straight down to cut the fruit in half lengthwise.
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5
Use a large spoon to scoop out the tiny black seeds from the center of the papaya halves. Discard the seeds.
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6
Cut the skinned and seeded papaya halves into wedges or chunks with the knife. Arrange the cut papaya pieces onto the platter or in the bowl.
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Serve the papaya immediately.
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Tips & Warnings
The black seeds of the papaya are edible, if you desire. Sprinkle the seeds over vegetable or pasta salads to add visual appeal and a hearty crunch.
If a papaya is not ripe, place it into a small paper bag and fold over the top of the bag once. Place the bag on the kitchen counter for one or two days and check the papaya for ripeness.
Store a ripe papaya in the refrigerator for up to three days.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
