Papayas

How to select

Choose firm, unblemished papayas with yellow streaks.

How to prepare

• Cut in half lengthwise. 
• Scoop out the seeds with a spoon and throw them away. 
• Using a small, sharp knife, cut the fruit away from the skin on each half. 
• Throw the skin away and slice the papaya as desired.

How to store

Papayas can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days until they are fully yellow/orange.

Peak season

Summer

Ways to use

• Cut papaya in half, scoop out the seeds, squeeze lemon juice on the orange flesh, and eat. 
• Add dried, chopped papaya to your rice and add chicken. 
• Add papaya to sweeten a stir fry.

Fun facts

• Papaya is grown in Mexico, Florida, India, and the Caribbean. 
• September is National Papaya Month. 
• Papaya seeds taste like black pepper. 
• A papaya plant can live for more than 20 years. 
• There are no branches on a papaya tree.

Nutrition info and facts

Packed with vitmin C - 1 cup of cubed papaya contains over 100% of the daily recommended amount. Source of vitamin A, which helps boost the immune system. Contains folate, which helps cells grow and develop.

1 medium papaya = 119 calories, 1 g protein, 30 g carbohydrate, 5 g fiber, 22 g sugar