Papaya is a popular fruit that’s available throughout the year. It can be enjoyed both raw and ripe- used in curries, salads, or simply eaten as a sweet and juicy fruit. Known for its numerous health benefits, papaya is a favourite in many households. However, choosing the right papaya can sometimes be tricky. Often, we bring one home only to find that it’s either unripe, tasteless, or rotten from the inside.
To help you avoid such disappointment, we’ve put together some simple and useful tips that will guide you in selecting the perfect papaya every time.
Also Read: Don’t Throw Away Papaya Seeds! 5 Simple Ways To Consume Them Every Day
Health Benefits of Papaya
Before we dive into the tips, let’s take a quick look at why papaya deserves a place in your diet:
Improves Digestion: Papaya contains an enzyme called papain, which supports healthy digestion.
Good for the Skin: Rich in Vitamins A and C, papaya helps in keeping your skin healthy and glowing.
Aids Weight Loss: Being low in calories, papaya is a smart addition to a weight-loss diet.
Boosts Immunity: With its high vitamin C content and antioxidants, papaya strengthens the immune system.
Tips to Choose the Perfect Papaya
Check the Colour
Look for papayas that are mostly yellow with some orange patches. This indicates ripeness. If the outer skin is still green, the papaya is likely to be raw and may lack flavour.
Smell the Fruit
A ripe papaya will have a sweet, pleasant aroma. If it doesn’t smell at all, it’s probably not ripe yet. Avoid papayas with a sour or off smell, as they might be overripe or spoiled.
Gently Press It
Press the papaya gently with your fingers. It should yield slightly under pressure but not feel too soft or mushy. If it’s too firm, it may be unripe; if it’s too soft, it could be rotten inside.
Check for Marks or Stains
The skin of a good papaya should be clean and evenly coloured. Avoid fruits with white patches, dark spots, or blemishes, as these may indicate internal spoilage.
Examine the Stalk
Look at the stalk end of the papaya. If it’s green and hard, the fruit isn’t fully ripe. A light brown, slightly soft stalk suggests the papaya is ripe and ready to eat.
Now that you know these simple tricks, you can confidently choose the best papaya every time you visit the market. Whether you’re adding it to your breakfast smoothie or enjoying it as a refreshing snack, a perfectly ripe papaya will always be a treat!
