Cutting a papaya can seem intimidating, but with a few simple steps, it's actually quite easy.
10 minutesmins
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0 minutesmins
10 minutesmins
1piece
Calories: 131kcal
Ingredients
1papaya
Instructions
Wash the papaya: Before cutting it, wash it thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt.
Cut off the top and bottom: Using a sharp knife, slice off the stem and blossom ends of the papaya. This will create a flat surface to work with and make it easier to cut.
Cut the papaya in half: Hold it upright on the cutting board and slice it lengthwise down the middle using a large, sharp knife. Cut through the entire fruit until you reach the hollow center.You can also cut the fruit while resting on the cutting board.
Scoop out the seeds: Using a spoon, scrape out the seeds and the membrane surrounding them from the center of the papaya. Have a medium bowl on the side and scoop them there; it makes it easier.
Peel the skin: With a sharp knife and one-half of the papaya lying flat on the cutting board, start by holding the fruit vertically and using a sharp knife to slice down along the skin in long strokes. Be careful not to cut too deeply, as you don't want to lose too much of the fruit.
If you don't feel comfortable using a knife, you can also use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. Another option is to cut the papaya into slices and use a knife to peel off the skin from each slice.
Cut the papaya into slices or cubes: Lay each half of the papaya flat on the cutting board and slice it into thin, even pieces. You can cut the slices into smaller cubes if you prefer.
Notes
Store at room temperature: If your papaya is not yet ripe, store it at room temperature until it is ready to eat. Papayas will continue to ripen after they are picked, so keep an eye on them and use them as soon as they are ripe.Store in the refrigerator: Once your papaya is ripe, you can store it in the refrigerator to slow down the ripening process. Place the papaya in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.Store cut papaya in the refrigerator: If you have cut open papaya, store any leftover pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cut papaya will only last a day or two in the refrigerator, so try to use it as soon as possible.