How to Prepare a Papaya

You’ve probably seen papayas in fruit salads or on display at the grocery store, but maybe you’ve never brought one home. It could be because you weren't sure how to pick a good one or how to cut it. Don’t let that stop you from trying this tropical delight next time you're shopping!

Choosing the right papaya can be tricky, but it's definitely manageable. Since papayas are harvested before they're fully ripe to handle shipping, many arrive green. When underripe, papayas have a firm texture and a mild cucumber-like taste, often used in dishes like Som Tum.

Papayas continue to ripen after being picked, so just leave it on your counter for a few days, and you'll have a perfectly ripe fruit ready to enjoy.

If you need a ripe papaya for a meal tonight, look for one with mostly yellow skin that gives slightly when pressed. It should feel heavy for its size, and free from soft spots, dents, or cuts. Don’t discard overripe papayas (they’re bland and mushy)—cut them into chunks and freeze for a creamy addition to smoothies or other recipes.

Ready to slice up a papaya? Follow these easy steps for perfect results:

How to Prepare a Papaya

Step 1: Rinse the papaya under cool, running water, then dry it with a clean towel or paper towels.

Step 2: Place a damp paper towel on your cutting surface, then set your cutting board on top. This helps create a stable, non-slip surface for cutting.

Step 3: Use a sharp chef's knife to cut off both ends of the papaya.

Step 4: Slice the papaya in half lengthwise.

Step 5: Take a large spoon and scoop out the seeds, then discard or compost them.

Step 6: Place the halves with the cut side down on the cutting board. Use a vegetable peeler (a Y-peeler works great) or a paring knife to peel off the skin. Discard or compost the skin.