Papaya cut in half
FOOD NEWS
How To Pick Out A Perfectly Ripe Papaya
BY MIKE DUNPHY
From May to September, papaya season is in full bloom, so if you see this tropical fruit at the store, there are a few things to look for to pick the best one.
First, look at the skin, which transforms from green to yellow or orange as it ripens. Look for a fully yellow or orange papaya, and avoid any with blemishes, dark spots, or mold.
It's best to choose smaller papayas as they tend to be sweeter. Then, give the papaya a gentle squeeze as you would an avocado — there should be a bit of give but not too much.
Finally, smell the papaya; it should have a sweet, fruity aroma with a slight musky dimension. You can also weigh the fruit, as riper papayas tend to be heavier because of water.
If you take home an underripe papaya, let it rest at room temperature for a few days. If it's already ripe and you're not ready to eat it, you can store it in the fridge whole.