Papayas are sweet, juicy, and packed with vitamin C, fiber, and digestive enzymes — but if you’ve never prepared one, they can seem tricky. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide so you can enjoy this tropical fruit at home!

Step 1: Choose a Ripe Papaya

• Look for a papaya with mostly yellow skin and a bit of give when you press it gently. A ripe papaya should smell sweet at the stem end.
• If it’s green and hard, leave it at room temperature for a few days to ripen.

Step 2: Wash the Papaya

• Rinse the whole fruit under cool running water.
• Gently scrub the skin with your hands or a soft brush to remove dirt or residue.

Step 3: Cut the Papaya

• Place the papaya on a cutting board.
• Slice it lengthwise from top to bottom so you have two halves.

Step 4: Remove the Seeds

• Use a spoon to scoop out the black, round seeds from each half.
• The seeds are edible but have a peppery flavor. You can set them aside if you’d like to try them or discard them.

Step 5: Peel the Papaya

• For easiest peeling, place each half cut-side down on the cutting board.
• Use a small knife or vegetable peeler to carefully remove the skin.

Step 6: Cut Into Pieces

• Slice the peeled papaya halves into wedges, cubes, or thin slices — however you like it.

Step 7: Eat and Enjoy!

• Eat fresh papaya on its own or add it to fruit salads, smoothies, or yogurt.
• For extra flavor, squeeze fresh lime juice over your papaya slices — it brings out the sweetness beautifully!

Bonus Tip: Store any leftover papaya in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy within 2–3 days for the best taste and texture.

That’s it! With these easy steps, you can enjoy fresh, delicious papaya anytime — it’s a tropical treat that’s as nutritious as it is tasty.