
Papaya
Papaya, also known as pawpaw in some regions, is a tropical fruit celebrated for its vibrant orange flesh and subtly sweet flavor. The fruit features a smooth, green to yellow skin that encases juicy, succulent flesh. Ripe papaya offers a melt-in-your-mouth texture, while unripe papaya has a firmer texture often used in savory dishes. Searching for a healthy and delicious addition to your diet? Discover the benefits of fresh papaya, a versatile ingredient for both sweet and savory culinary creations. Explore papaya nutrition and discover how to incorporate this exotic fruit into your meals.
Common Uses
- Adds a tropical sweetness to fruit salads, offering a vibrant color and juicy texture. Looking to enhance your fruit salad? Try adding diced papaya for a unique flavor boost.
- Blended into smoothies and juices for a creamy consistency and a dose of vitamins. Want a healthy and delicious smoothie? Papaya is the perfect ingredient!
- Used in savory dishes like green papaya salad (Som Tum), providing a crisp texture and slightly tangy flavor. Searching for an authentic Thai experience? Green papaya salad is a must-try!
- Grilled or baked as a side dish, offering a caramelized sweetness and tender texture. Thinking of grilling something different? Grilled papaya is a surprisingly delicious side.
- Pureed into sauces and chutneys, adding a fruity sweetness and vibrant color. Need a unique sauce for your next dish? Papaya puree adds a tropical twist.
- Used as a meat tenderizer due to its papain enzyme, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat dishes. Want to tenderize meat naturally? Papaya is a great solution!
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
39.0kcal (1.95%)
Protein
0.6g (1.22%)
Carbs
9.8g (3.57%)
Sugars
7.8g (15.64%)
Healthy Fat
0.0g
Unhealthy Fat
0.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
39.0kcal (1.95%)
Protein
0.6g (1.22%)
Carbs
9.8g (3.57%)
Sugars
7.8g (15.64%)
Healthy Fat
0.0g
Unhealthy Fat
0.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Health Benefits
- Rich in Vitamin C for immune support and antioxidant protection.
- Excellent source of Vitamin A, promoting healthy vision and skin.
- Contains digestive enzymes like papain, aiding in protein digestion and reducing bloating.
- High in fiber, supporting healthy digestion and promoting satiety for weight management.
- Good source of potassium, contributing to healthy blood pressure.
- May help reduce inflammation due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Storage Tips
Unripe papayas should be stored at room temperature until they ripen. Once ripe, indicated by a slight softness and yellowing of the skin, store them in the refrigerator to slow down the ripening process and extend their shelf life for up to a week. Cut papaya should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within a few days to maintain its freshness and flavor. Papaya can also be frozen. To freeze, peel and dice the papaya, then lay the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container for longer storage, up to 8 months.
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