- Taking it home
a) Handle with care, ensure it does not knock or bump onto hard surfaces, items or other produce such as guava and pumpkin.
b) Do not leave papaya (especially a ripe one)
i. With other produce inside a bag and carry it around.
ii. Inside the car or car boot especially when it is under the sun.
c)Take it out of the plastic/paper bag or unwrap the packing paper.
d)Store it in a dry, dark, and cool place with air flow/ Do not cover with anything at all. - Checking for ripeness
a)Press the papaya gently with two fingers. If it is:
i.Firm and hard: Leave it out in a proper storage place for 2-3 days. Duration depends on how hard the skin is. Check it daily so it does not overripe.
ii.Soft to touch: Ready to be eaten. Slice it and eat it raw, juice it, or make into salad. Slice fruit can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. - Check the skin color. If it is:
a) Fully green: Leave it out in an open space with no covering for 2-3 days to ripen.
b) Green with orange streaks:
i.70% orange streaks: Slice and eat, sweet. Or leave it for 1 day to further ripen.
ii.60% orange streaks: Slice and eat it while it is crunchy sweet. Or leave for 2 days to ripen more - Storing it in the fridge
a)Place a whole, uncut papaya without any covering into the fridge. Ensure it does not bump onto other hard items.
b)Store cut papaya in an air-tight container in the fridge.