Papaya have brilliant orange-red flesh that’s delicious in tropical salads and desserts. They are oblong-shaped fruit, with a slight curve in their length. Their skin is very thin and smooth, varying in colour from green to yellow. Inside, they contain many hard black seeds. Available all year round, papaya are best served fresh on their own, or in salads and desserts. They have a sweet, tropical flavour.

To Buy

Look for smooth-skinned papaya, with no blemishes or splits in the skin. They should feel relatively heavy for their size, and have a pleasant, tropical aroma.

To Store

Store papaya in a single layer at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, until they yield to gently pressure when cradled in your hand. Once at this stage, store in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.

To Prepare

Simply cut in half lengthways and scoop out the seeds then either cut into wedges or peel away the skin before slicing as required.