Papaya

• 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!

• 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.

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.