Storage
It is best not to store papayas in the fridge as this interferes with the ripening process. Then they get watery spots and rot quickly.

Unripe fruits ripen at room temperature.

If you have a ripe papaya, you can keep it in a cool place (approx. 12°) for a few days.

You can store pieces of papaya in a tightly sealed plastic container in the freezer for up to 12 months, at a minimum of -18°C.

How do you know if the papaya is no longer good? If the papaya is mouldy or discoloured. You can recognise decay by looking, tasting and smelling.

Preparing
Cut the papaya in half and remove the seeds with a spoon. If you halve the halves again, it is easier to remove the flesh from the skin.

Sprinkle the fruit with lime juice if you like, this makes the flavour of the papaya even more pronounced.

Note: in recipes with gelatine, papaya counteracts the action of gelatine, preventing the gelatine from stiffening. You can prevent this by first boiling (blanching) the papaya briefly.

Fun fact: you can use the seeds as well as the flesh! You can dry the seeds and use them as 'pepper' in dishes.

Storage times

Fruit bowl: 4 days
Freezer: 12 months

Preparation times

Depending on the application.

Papaya cleaning

See preparing.