How to Clean, Cut, and Enjoy Papaya

1. Wash the Outside: Even though you won’t eat the skin, washing the fruit is important to remove any dirt or bacteria that might transfer from the knife during cutting. Rinse it under cold water and gently scrub the surface with a brush.
2. Dry the Papaya: Pat the papaya dry with a clean kitchen towel to prevent slipping when cutting.

Cutting the Papaya

1. Slice in Half: Place the papaya on a stable cutting board. Using a large, sharp knife, slice the papaya lengthwise from stem to bottom.
2. Remove the Seeds: Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds from both halves. Papaya seeds are edible (somewhat peppery in taste), so you can save them if you like, perhaps to use in dressings or as a garnish.
3. Peel the Skin: You can either peel the halves with a knife or a vegetable peeler. If the papaya is very ripe, a peeler might work best as the fruit will be very soft.

How to Eat Papaya