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–+ servings
Cubed papaya.

How to Cut a Papaya (Quickly & Efficiently)

Justine Drosdovech
If you’ve always wanted to know how to cut a papaya, you're in for a tropical treat! Learn how to peel and cut this vibrant orange fruit and what to do with the seeds!
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course How-to
Cuisine Gluten-Free, Vegan
Servings 1 papaya
Calories 130.7 kcal

Equipment

  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Spoon
  • Vegetable peeler

Ingredients
 

  • 1 papaya

Instructions
 

  • Before cutting the papaya, make sure it’s clean by washing it under cold running water. Using a sharp knife, slice off both ends of the papaya.

How to peel a payaya

  • Use a vegetable peeler or sharp knife. Working from top to bottom following the curve of the fruit, and discard the skin. It is edible, but it’s not very tasty.
  • Keep in mind that peeling the papaya will make it quite slippery. If you prefer to have more grip on the fruit as you cut it, leave the peeling for later.

How to cut a peeled papaya into slices

  • With a stable base, cut the papaya in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the shiny black seeds in the center of each half. Remove as much of the fibrous strings as you can.
  • Turn each papaya half over onto the flat side and make crosswise cuts as thick or as thin as you want. They should look like little half-crescent moons.

How to cut a peeled papaya into cubes

  • Make sure the flat side of the papaya half is facing down again. Cut the fruit lengthwise into strips.
  • Rotate the papaya and make crosswise cuts to create cubes. You can make the cuts as thick or as thin as you prefer.

How to cut an unpeeled papaya into cubes

  • Again, slice the papaya in half lengthwise and scoop out the black seeds. Cut each papaya half lengthwise into quarters, then into eighths. You should have four 1-2-inch strips per side.
  • Stabilize one end of the papaya strip with your non-dominant hand. Run the knife along the fruit where it meets the skin and follow it all the way down the strip until you reach the end.
  • Cut the papaya strip into 1-2-inch cubes for snacking, then repeat the same steps for the rest of the strips.

Notes

  • Use a sharp knife: Always use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts and prevent the blade from slipping.
  • Stable surface: Make sure the cutting board is stable to prevent any accidents. If necessary, place a damp kitchen towel or paper towel underneath.
  • Cut it gently: Use a gentle sawing motion instead of trying to push the knife down through the papaya. This will prevent accidents and the fruit from bruising.
  • Remove the seeds first: Always remember to scoop out the seeds before you start cutting the papaya into smaller pieces.
  • Chill the papaya: A slightly chilled papaya is easier to cut and handle. Plus, it tastes much more refreshing this way!
  • Keep a firm grip: Papaya has a slippery texture, so keep your hands clean for a safer grip. If it’s too slippery, keep it unpeeled until the later stages of cutting.
  • Use the correct tools: A vegetable peeler is very handy (and quite safe) for peeling the skin, especially for larger papayas.

Nutrition

Serving: 1papaya | Calories: 130.7kcal | Carbohydrates: 32.8g | Protein: 1.4g | Fat: 0.8g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 24.3mg | Potassium: 553.3mg | Fiber: 5.2g | Sugar: 23.8g | Vitamin A: 2888IU | Vitamin C: 185.1mg | Calcium: 60.8mg | Iron: 0.8mg
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