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Papaya

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Photo of a papaya cut in half
Photo of many papayas growing on a tree
Photo of a papaya cut in half
Photo credits (left to right): Photo credits (top to bottom): Flickr: Janine; Flickr: Scot Nelson; Flickr: Maggie Hoffman

Foods Included

Papaya, Green Papaya, Maradol Papaya, Strawberry Papaya

Description

Papayas are pear-shaped fruits that can be as long as 20 inches, although most are about 7 inches long and weigh about one pound. Their flesh is orange with either yellow or pink hues. Papaya has a sweet taste and buttery consistency. It has black, round seeds that can be eaten but taste bitter. Green papaya is unripe and and has a more sour taste. It is traditionally used in Asian dishes.

Buy It

  • Choose soft papayas with reddish-orange skin.
  • Papayas with yellow spots will be less ripe.
  • Green papayas should only be purchased if you're making a specific dish, like Green Papaya Salad.

Store It

  • Papayas that aren't fully ripe can be placed in a paper bag with a banana to speed up ripening.
  • Papayas can be stored on the counter for 1-2 days.
  • Ripe papayas should be kept in the refridgerator and eaten within 2-4 days.

Cook It

  • Enjoy in a fruit salad or make pineapple salsa.
  • Papaya can be eaten like a melon. Wash the fruit, cut lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and then eat the fruit with a spoon.
  • You can also peel the papaya, cut it in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and then slice it or cut it into pieces.
  • Add it to fruit salads or enjoy with yogurt and lemon or lime juice squeezed on top.

Why It's Great

  • Vitamin A keeps our eyes working, our immune system strong, and our cells growing.
  • Vitamin C keeps our immune system strong and helps our bodies heal quickly.

 

Try It

Tropical Fruit Plate
25 mins
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Pico de Gallo Fruit Salad
15 mins
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Tropical Fruit Platter
15 mins
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Tongan Fruit Salad
20 mins
Photo of prepared Tongan Fruit Salad

“Funded by USDA SNAP, an equal opportunity provider and employer. Visit http://calfreshhealthyliving.org for healthy tips.”