Papayas are a tropical fruit known for their sweet flavor and numerous health benefits. Whether you’re adding them to a smoothie or enjoying them fresh, it’s essential to know when they are perfectly ripe for the best taste. Here’s a simple guide to help you pick out ripe papayas and store them correctly.

How To Tell When Papayas Are Ripe

1. Check the Color
   A ripe papaya will have mostly yellow or orange skin with some green patches. The more yellow the papaya is, the riper it is. If the skin is completely green, the fruit is not yet ripe, and you may want to wait a few days.

2. Feel the Texture
   Gently press the papaya with your fingers. A ripe papaya should give slightly under your touch, similar to how a ripe avocado feels. If it’s too firm, it’s not ready yet. If it feels too soft, it may be overripe.

3. Look for Small Spots
   Little black spots on the skin are perfectly normal and indicate that the papaya is ripe. However, avoid papayas with large or deep bruises as they may have started to rot.

4. Smell It
   A ripe papaya will have a sweet, fruity aroma. If it doesn’t have a noticeable smell, it may still need more time to ripen.

Storing Tips

• Unripe Papayas
  To ripen an unripe papaya, simply leave it at room temperature. You can speed up the process by placing it in a paper bag with a banana.

• Ripe Papayas
  Once ripe, store your papaya in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to 3-4 days. This will slow down the ripening process and prevent it from becoming overly soft.

• Cut Papayas
  If you’ve already cut the papaya, store the pieces in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, papayas can be frozen, making them great for smoothies later.

Enjoy your ripe papayas at their peak flavor, and follow these tips to keep them fresh for longer!