If you’ve always wanted to know how to cut a papaya, you’re in for a tropical treat! In this guide, you’ll learn how to cut by peeling it first or second and what to do with the seeds. Whether you’re topping your morning granola or making a fruit salad, this fruit adds a burst of sweet, juicy flavor!
Originating in Central America, papaya is a tropical fruit known for its vibrant orange color, sweet and slightly musky taste, and buttery texture.
It’s packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and beneficial digestive enzymes, making it just as nutritious as it is delicious. We’re all for that!
You can use this versatile fruit in both sweet and savory dishes alike. Think smoothies and smoothie bowls, parfaits, salads, cakes, spring rolls, curries, and salsas. Now, you just need to know how to cut up a papaya to reach the glorious flesh!
Alternatively, you can peel the papaya to slice or cube. To peel, hold the fruit vertically and run your knife down along the skin in long slices. Again, try not to slice too deeply, or you will lose a lot of the fruit. If you are not comfortable using a knife, use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin.
How to cut a peeled papaya into slices
With a stable base, cut the papaya in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the shiny black seeds in the center of each half. Remove as much of the fibrous strings as you can.
You can discard the seeds, but they are edible! You can try roasting and crushing them in a mortar and pestle for a fiber-rich peppercorn replacement if you want.
Turn each papaya half over onto the flat side and make crosswise cuts as thick or as thin as you want. They should look like little half-crescent moons.
How to peel a papaya
If you prefer to peel your papaya, use a vegetable peeler or sharp knife. Working from top to bottom following the curve of the fruit, and discard the skin. It is edible, but it’s not very tasty.
Keep in mind that peeling the papaya will make it quite slippery. If you prefer to have more grip on the fruit as you cut it, leave the peeling for later.
How to clean, cut and eat a papaya!
FAQ
Should papaya be peeled before eating?
How do you peel papaya?
Vegetable peeler: A Y-shaped peeler is the best tool for this task. You’ll use the peeler to work from the tip of the papaya to the base and remove the protective outer layer of skin. Chef’s knife: Use a large, sharp knife to slice the papaya in half and cut it into your desired shapes.
Can papaya seeds be eaten?
Yes, papaya seeds are edible. Papaya fruit is known for its nutrition and health benefits, but usually the seeds are thrown away. They have been associated with a number of health benefits, including cancer prevention and kidney protection. It is important to consume only a few of them, as high doses may cause side effects.
How do you eat papaya?
You can enjoy the papaya fruit by digging into it with a spoon and eating directly from the fruit half. Or create papaya “melon balls” with a melon ball scoop or an ice cream scoop. Alternatively, you can peel the papaya to slice or cube. To peel, hold the fruit vertically and run your knife down along the skin in long slices.
Can you eat papaya seeds if you don’t have a peeler?
Scoop out the seeds. Use a spoon or scoop to take out the seeds from the two papaya halves. If you wish, you may keep the seeds. They are edible and have a strong peppery taste. Slice the washed papaya in half. If you don’t have a vegetable peeler, you can still peel papaya with a kitchen knife.