Papaya is the fruit of all seasons. Even though it is a sweet fruit, not many like its slightly bitter undertone. While there are people who relish raw papaya, there are some who just cant stand the smell, the taste and the sight of it. The reason why this fruit is still forced onto our plate is because it is great for overall health. Its a superfood that must form a part of our everyday diet for its many benefits. Its a mixed bag of nutrients, phytonutrients and vitamins that makes it a wholesome source of daily nutrition. It is not just beneficial for health but it also promotes better skin and hair. Sadly, this all-rounder food still doesnt have many takers.
Papaya is popular in the health circuits for its high content of a particular enzyme called papain. While it is a storehouse of vital nutrients and disease-fighting properties, it also harbours a pungent odour and a nasty taste. When papaya is growing in the fields, its epidermis (outer layers of skin) gets cut, but the fruit keeps growing after the cut and it ends up changing its internal structure and texture, which brings in the bitter aftertaste in the fruit.
Papaya is particularly difficult to transport once it has ripened. Its outer skin becomes mushy and soft and is likely to get crushed. Hence, most of the times, these fruits are plucked before they are fully ripened and shipped off. When they do ripen after that, they develop a somewhat unpleasant taste. In spite of the off-putting smell and slightly bitter flavour, which, by the way doesnt happen all the time, this fruit is a treasure trove of wellness. It is one food that naturally cleanses your gut and keeps the digestive system running smoothly. It helps in faster breakdown of food and aids in weight loss. It provides defence against life-threatening ailments like heart issues and diabetes.
With these and more such benefits, it is advised to be eaten by all means. But, what do we do about that smell? And, that biting taste is hard to miss! Well, heres a genius trick that will solve your problem and let you enjoy this wonder fruits sans aversion –
Uncut papayas have no smell or a slightly sweet smell. If it’s too soft, mushy, or has an overwhelmingly sweet smell, it has signs that the papaya is overripe. Cut papayas should smell sweet, not fermented. Slightly green papayas will ripen within 1 to 3 days at room temperature.
While we tend to gravitate towards riper fruit, less ripe papaya can actually be used in several ways, unlike other unripe fruits and vegetables. Delivering a crispy crunch, green papaya can be especially great when pickled or used in recipes like papaya and jerky salad. In contrast, ripe papaya is often eaten as-is, given its sweet flavors that are comparable to peaches and melons. Rosy in color, ripe papaya also has an ultra-buttery texture. Depending on what type of papaya youre in the market for, there are a few things to remember.
When picking out a papaya, the most obvious indicator of ripeness is color. As papaya ripens, Real Simple reports that its skin turns from a vibrant green to a warm golden yellow. Likewise, riper fruit can also be determined by giving the fruit a gentle press. If the papaya feels slightly soft, then its ready to devour (via Bon Appétit).
A large, pear-shaped fruit thats full of intensely peppery (but edible) seeds, Britannica explains that carica papaya is thought to be native to South America. Enjoyed for its deliciousness, but also praised for its medicinal qualities, Healthline states that papayas contain a host of vitamins and antioxidants like carotenoids that can protect cells against damage and reduce risk of various diseases like Alzheimers, heart disease, and even cancer.
If you adore tropical fruits like mango, then papaya should definitely be another fruit to add onto your grocery list. While its typical to use our sense of smell when shopping for the freshest produce, it isnt always the most effective method — particularly when it comes to picking out papaya. Thats why were sharing some tips to follow when shopping for this juicy, coral-colored fruit.
According to Martha Stewart, papaya contains an enzyme called papain that breaks down proteins, and releases more foul-smelling molecules, especially for those that are hypersensitive to smells. Likewise, this can also be blamed on the flurry of B-vitamins found in papaya that are linked with pungent aromas. If youre lucky enough not to have any aversions against the papayas perfumery, definitely dont be intimated to pick one up during your next trip to the market!
Papaya And Lemon Salad
Fix a light and healthy salad with papaya, lemon and some nuts for a crunchy addition.
Why Does Papaya Smell Like Vomit? Unraveling the Mystery Behind Papaya’s Unique Aroma
FAQ
Does papaya have a smell?
Why does my papaya smell like barf?
How would you describe the taste of papaya?
How do you eat papaya and make it taste good?
What does papaya smell like?
Much like the old cilantro debate, people apparently have a lot of feelings about the way papaya tastes and smells. While some love the tropical fruit and experience no issues, others claim it smells like a myriad of unpleasant things (including vomit, rotten salmon, or dirty feet .)
Are there any side effects to fermented papaya?
Side effects from any food, including fermented papaya, can vary from person to person. How a person experiences or reacts to a food can greatly differ. With that said, possible side effects from consuming fermented papaya can vary. Limited reliable information is available regarding the side effects but digestive issues, like diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea, may be possible.
Why does papaya smell bad?
Sharing is caring! For the most part, papaya smells bad for some people due to papain, an enzyme that is naturally found in papayas. This enzyme breaks down protein, and if left alone long enough, it will also break down the papaya itself. Some people are very sensitive to it, and some people really don’t notice it at all.
What does unripe papaya taste like?
People say ripe papaya tastes like cantaloupe melon or tropical mango. On the other hand, unripe papaya has little to no flavor. Some people describe it as bland or bad. It also has an unpleasant smell. The reason for this is due to an enzyme called papain. Green on unripe papayas have a crunchy texture and are often used in Asian cuisine.