To pick a good papaya, focus on its color, feel, and aroma.
Here's a breakdown of what to look for:
- Color: The skin should transition from green to yellow (for Hawaiian papayas) or orange-gold (for Mexican papayas) as it ripens. Look for a papaya that is mostly yellow or orange, depending on the variety. Avoid papayas that are entirely green.
- Feel: Gently press on the skin. A ripe papaya should yield slightly to pressure, similar to a ripe avocado or peach. If it feels rock-hard, it's not ripe yet. If it feels mushy, it's overripe.
- Aroma: A ripe papaya will have a sweet, fragrant aroma, especially near the stem end. If it doesn't smell like anything, it's probably not ripe enough. A sour or fermented smell indicates that it's overripe.
In summary, choose a papaya that has vibrant color, gives slightly to gentle pressure, and has a sweet, pleasant smell.
