Papaya Fruit Uses – Learn What To Do With Papaya Post Harvest
So here you are with a bumper crop of papaya fruit. Now what to do with it all? The good news is that there is a plethora of papaya fruit uses. Don’t know what to use papaya for except to eat fresh out of hand? Don’t worry -- we’ve compiled a list of what to use papaya for.
What to do with Papaya
The obvious thing to do with papaya is to eat it fresh, but that isn’t all you can do. Papaya fruit is so versatile it can be grilled, frozen, pickled, and more. It’s no wonder that papaya can be found among a slew of cuisines, from savory to sweet.
A Versatile Plant
Papaya is a tree that bears pear-shaped fruit that turns from green to yellow as it ripens. When ripe, the interior of the fruit yields soft, juicy flesh surrounding small black seeds. These seeds are edible and are usually ground to resemble black pepper.
When unripe, papaya contains the enzyme papain, often used as a meat tenderizer. Papain is also used to treat fabrics and to clarify beer.
Other parts of the plant can also be eaten. The leaves are sautéed like spinach in Indian cuisine, and are used to wrap foods. They are also used as a tobacco substitute and as a form of soap.
Papaya is used primarily as a food source, but in some regions papaya fruit uses are medicinal. The unripe fruit is used to treat ringworm and skin conditions, while the ripe fruit is eaten to ease constipation.
The bloom of the papaya plant is used in Brazil to treat digestive ailments and low blood pressure. In the Amazon the roots are eaten for indigestion and the fruit is used as an antiseptic.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
The latex contained in the plant is used in Mexico to treat constipation and skin rashes. In Paraguay, the seeds are dried to expel intestinal worms. In Hawaii, an infusion of the fruit is said to encourage breast milk production.
Caution when Using Papaya Fruit
When using papaya fruit, be aware that unripe fruit contains latex, which is inedible. In South Asian cuisine unripe papaya is used, but must go through a labor-intensive process prior to consumption.
What to do with Papaya in the Kitchen
There are so many ways of using papaya in the kitchen. A simple and delicious method for preparing papaya is to grill it. Just cut in half, scoop out the seeds and grill. Here are some more options:
- Add diced papaya to your favorite Pico de gallo or salsa recipe and serve with chips. Serve over chicken or other meats, or add to black beans as a side dish.
- Sweeten up ho-hum chicken or shrimp salad with the addition of papaya.
- Add fresh or frozen papaya to your next smoothie. Also, freeze papaya slices for a cool summer treat. Make papaya ice cream.
- Switch out the traditional melon and prosciutto appetizer with papaya.
- Make a basic fruit salad exotic by adding papaya, and add papaya to Greek yogurt.
- Shred papaya and add to spring rolls.
- Use those seeds! They have a sharp peppery flavor that is fabulous sprinkled on a variety of dishes.
Amy Grant has been gardening for 30 years and writing for 15. A professional chef and caterer, Amy's area of expertise is culinary gardening.
-
Climate Change And Pests: Do Warmer Winters Mean More Pests?
Warmer climates can result in an increase of some pests and decrease of others, which isn’t always a good thing. Here's how to protect your garden.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
What Is A Water Wick? How To Use One To Keep Houseplants Hydrated While You’re Away
A water wick for plants will give you a worry-free break if you need to leave your plant babies for a while. It’s easy to set up and pretty much runs itself.
By Amy Grant
-
Papaya Harvest Time: Tips For Picking Papaya Fruits
Growing papaya? Click here for tips on when it’s time to start harvesting papaya fruit and information on various papaya harvesting methods.
By Teo Spengler
-
No Seeds Inside Papaya – What Does A Papaya Without Seeds Mean
Papayas are notoriously laden with seeds, so what if you get a papaya without seeds? To learn what causes seedless papayas, click here.
By Teo Spengler
-
What Causes Papaya Stem Rot – Learn About Pythium Rot Of Papaya Trees
Papaya stem rot is a serious problem that often affects young trees but can take down mature trees as well. But what is papaya pythium rot, and how can it be stopped? Click this article to learn more about papaya pythium fungus problems.
By Liz Baessler
-
My Papaya Seedlings Are Failing: What Causes Papaya Damping Off
When growing papaya from seed, you may come across a serious problem: papaya seedlings failing. They look water-soaked, then shrivel, dry, and die. This is damping off, and it is a fungal disease that can be prevented with good cultural practices. Learn more here.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Anthracnose Of Papaya Trees: Learn About Papaya Anthracnose Control
When you see sunken spots on papaya fruit, you may be dealing with anthracnose of papaya trees. But with some cultural practices, papaya anthracnose control in the home orchard isn’t difficult. Click this article for tips on treating papaya anthracnose.
By Teo Spengler
-
Papaya Herbicide Problems: Treating Symptoms Of Papaya Herbicide Injury
Unfortunately, papayas are shallow-rooted and papaya damage from herbicides is always a risk. Understanding papaya herbicide problems may help you prevent and mitigate herbicide injury of papaya. Click on this article to learn more.
By Mary H. Dyer
-
Papaya Seedlings Damping Off – Learn About Papaya Damping Off Treatment
Papaya seedlings damping off can mean the end of the crop as the fungus eventually rots out the stem. What causes papaya damping off and how can you prevent it? Click on the following article for more information.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Papaya Stem Rot Symptoms – How To Manage Stem Rot On Papaya Trees
Papaya stem rot can be a serious problem if not addressed properly. The following article provides information on what causes papaya stem rot and tips for controlling papaya stem rot disease. Click here to learn more.
By Liz Baessler