Papaya

Carica papaya Fruit

Papaya Fruit

At a Glance

  • Category Fruit

The Forktionary Angle

"Unlocking the health benefits and culinary versatility of exotic ingredients."

Definition

A tropical fruit with sweet, buttery flesh, often yellow-orange, containing numerous black seeds. Known for its digestive enzyme, papain.

Optimal Ripeness Skin mostly yellow-orange, soft to touch
Papain Content Enzyme aids protein digestion
Vitamin C Source High, boosts immunity

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Papaya are:

Sweet buttery musky sometimes slightly peppery (near seeds)

Chef’s Secret

Green (unripe) papaya can be grated and used in savory salads, like Thai Som Tum, for a crunchy, tart element.

Best Substitutes

Mango

for tropical sweetness
Ratio 1:1

Melon

Cantaloupe/Honeydew, for texture/sweetness
Ratio 1:1

Persimmon

for soft, sweet flesh
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose papayas that are mostly yellow, slightly soft to the touch, and free of blemishes. Store ripe papaya in the fridge.

Recipes Using Papaya

Equipment Oven Presentation Equipment

Banana Bread Mans Banana Bread

A Key West legend comes to your kitchen! This recipe, inspired by the infamous Banana Man himself, delivers the most decadent, moist, and flavorful banana bread you'll ever taste. Made with real butter, ripe bananas, and a hint of rum, this special treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up. Get ready to experience banana bread bliss!

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Vegan Low In Something 3 Steps Or Less 15 Minutes Or Less

Spring In Your Step Smoothie Raw Food

Jumpstart your day with this vibrant and refreshing Spring In Your Step Raw Smoothie! Packed with fresh, seasonal ingredients, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for a healthy breakfast or a revitalizing snack. No cooking required – simply blend and enjoy the burst of spring flavor! This delicious raw food smoothie is naturally sweet and full of vitamins and nutrients.

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Fruit Time To Make Vegetarian 3 Steps Or Less

A Honey Of A Salad

Escape to the tropics with this unbelievably delicious fruit salad! Sweet, tangy, and creamy, this recipe combines the unexpected flavors of juicy tropical fruits, creamy avocado, and a zesty honey-lime dressing. The vibrant kiwi adds a delightful tang that will tantalize your taste buds. Don't skip the avocado – it's the secret ingredient that elevates this salad to a whole new level of deliciousness! Perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing dessert, or a vibrant addition to your next barbecue.

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Central American Central American Cakes Tropical Fruit

Bahamian Papaya Rum Cake

Escape to the tropical paradise of the Bahamas with every bite of this decadent papaya rum cake! Infused with the rich flavors of Caribbean rum and sweet papaya, this moist and tender cake is the perfect ending to any meal. Our recipe captures the essence of island life, bringing the taste of a Bahamian vacation straight to your kitchen. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Coconut Easy Preparation Occasion

Baked Coconut French Toast With Tropical Fruit Compote

Indulge in this heavenly Baked Coconut French Toast, elevated with a vibrant Tropical Fruit Compote! This recipe, adapted from Cooking Light magazine, offers a delicious and surprisingly healthy breakfast or brunch. The compote, bursting with tropical flavors, is a must-try, though a simple maple syrup alternative is provided (adjust sugar accordingly). Prepare this delightful dish ahead of time – assemble the night before and bake in the morning for a stress-free, gourmet experience. Get ready for a taste of paradise!

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Side Dishes Time To Make Main Ingredient Cuisine

Arroz De Coco E Papaia Angola

Embark on a culinary journey to Angola with this vibrant side dish! Arroz de Coco e Papaia Angolana, featured in week nine of the "Travel by Stove" food blog, combines fluffy rice, rich coconut milk, and sweet papaya for a taste of authentic Angolan cuisine. This recipe, part of a global cooking adventure, is easy to follow and delivers a surprisingly delicious and refreshing side dish perfect for any meal.

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For Large Groups Desserts Preparation Cakes

Banana Papaya Cupcakes

Inspired by a surprise papaya find (thanks, Mom!), these moist and delicious Banana Papaya Cupcakes offer a unique tropical twist on a classic treat! Sweet bananas perfectly complement the subtle sweetness of papaya, creating a cupcake that's both comforting and exciting. Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins for an extra burst of flavor!

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Preparation 15 Minutes Or Less Caribbean Course

Barbadian Rum Punch

Escape to the tropics with this vibrant Barbadian Rum Punch! A taste of island history, this refreshing cocktail blends the sweetness of Caribbean fruits with the rich warmth of rum. Perfect for a hot summer day or a lively party, this easy-to-make recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Learn how to make this classic drink, inspired by centuries of tradition and perfected for modern palates.

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Time To Make Course Desserts Cuisine

Baked Papaya

A deliciously simple yet elegant dessert recipe adapted from the New York Times Cookbook. This baked papaya recipe features sweet caramelized brown sugar, fragrant vanilla bean, and tender baked papaya. Perfect as a light dessert or a unique side dish!

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Tuna Tuna Time To Make Preparation

Ahi And Papaya In Citrus Sauce

Savor the exotic flavors of this vibrant Ahi tuna and papaya dish! Pan-seared tuna steaks are baked to perfection with sweet papaya and bathed in a tangy citrus sauce. Topped with crunchy almonds and refreshing kiwi, this 30-minute recipe is a culinary adventure that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve with rice for a complete meal.

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Breads Oven Breads Preparation

Aruba Duba Do Muffins

Escape to the tropics with these delicious Aruba Duba Do Muffins! Packed with hidden fruits and veggies, these subtly sweet muffins are a healthy and fun way to sneak in extra nutrients. Perfect for kids (and adults!), these muffins are bursting with tropical flavor and are surprisingly good for you. A rsc #8 creation.

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Lunch Technique Sweet Desserts

Banana Cocktail

This vibrant Banana Cocktail recipe is a delightful twist on a classic, perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dessert. Inspired by Turbana Corp's fruit cocktail recipe, this version uses fresh, seasonal fruit for a burst of flavor! Imagine creamy banana blended with sweet fruits, topped with glistening cherries and a sprig of mint. It's a simple yet elegant treat that pairs wonderfully with a cookie or a small slice of pound cake. Elevate your next gathering with this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing cocktail!

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Fruit Vegan 15 Minutes Or Less Low Protein

African Tropical Fruit Salad

Escape to paradise with this vibrant African Tropical Fruit Salad! A refreshing and easy-to-make recipe bursting with the exotic flavors of ripe mangoes, juicy pineapple, and sweet papaya. Perfectly balanced with a zesty lime dressing and a sprinkle of toasted coconut, this delicious salad is perfect for a hot summer day or a light dessert. Get ready for a taste of the tropics!

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North American North American Apples Low Fat

Adult Fruit Salad Alcoholic Martinique Caribbean

Escape to the Caribbean with this vibrant Adult Fruit Salad! A refreshing blend of exotic fruits infused with the smooth warmth of rum, this recipe is perfect for a summer gathering or a romantic evening in. Found originally on recipeisland.com, this easy-to-make punch requires minimal prep time and chills to perfection. Note: While it makes 6 servings, the quantity may vary depending on individual portions!

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Lunch American Cuisine North American

Trini Burgers

Fire up the grill for these irresistible Trini Burgers! Adapted from Marcel Desaulniers' acclaimed cookbook, "Burger Meisters," this recipe delivers juicy, flavorful patties perfect for a summer BBQ. Experience a taste of the Caribbean with this unique burger recipe. Looking for more burger adventures? "Burger Meisters" offers a wide variety of meat options, from classic beef to fish, rabbit, and turkey!

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Time To Make Fish Shrimp South West Pacific

Ahi Tuna And Baby Shrimp Ceviche W Papaya Salad And Coconut

Experience a taste of paradise with this vibrant Ahi Tuna & Baby Shrimp Ceviche! Marinated in zesty lime and lemon juices, this refreshing dish features tender seafood, a sweet and tangy papaya salad, and crunchy toasted coconut. A unique twist on classic ceviche, this recipe is perfect for a light lunch, appetizer, or a sophisticated dinner party. Prepare to be amazed by the fresh flavors and simple elegance!

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