Preparation and serving method
Wash papaya fruit thoroughly in cold running water to remove dirt and any pesticide residues. Skin is bitter in taste and inedible. Remove skin with "peeling knife," cut the fruit longitudinally into two equal halves. Gently remove seeds and thin slimy layer loosely adhering to the flesh. Cut the fruit longitudinally into wedges or small cubes.
Here are some serving tips:
Ripe papaya fruit is usually eaten raw as it is or with a twist of lemon drops and seasoned with salt and pepper.
Fresh papaya cubes are a great addition to fruit salads.
Papaya juice with ice cubes is a popular drink.
Its cubes can be used in shakes, sorbets, salsa, etc.
Ripe fruit also goes well with chicken and seafood savory dishes.
Unripe green papaya can be used as a vegetable, either cooked, usually in stews, stir-fry, curries, and soups. Papaya flowers stew is a popular recipe in many South-East Asian regions.
Papain enzyme can be employed commercially to tenderize meat.