Papaya
木瓜 · betik
Papaya in October (this month)
Look for Malaysia
This origin is in fresh-crop season.
Malaysia
Fresh cropStored / lateNot shipping
Fresh crop now (1)
MY
MalaysiaJohor, Perak
Fresh cropSekaki (Hong Kong), Eksotika
Harvested all year
Grown all year. Sekaki is the large red-fleshed papaya sold in halves.
How to pick at the shelf
- ColourMostly yellow-orange skin with a little green.
- FeelGives slightly, like a ripe avocado.
- Cut papayaDeep orange-red flesh and shiny black seeds.
- AvoidBruised, mouldy or very soft patches.
At home
KeepCounter, then fridge
LastsRipen 2–3 days, then 3–4 days
A squeeze of lime brings out the flavour.
Buying tips (2)
- Papaya is good all year from Malaysia.
- Ripe papaya is very soft and travels badly, so it's often sold half-ripe to ripen at home.
Common questions
- When is papaya season in Singapore?
- Malaysia: all year. Fresh-crop months by origin.
- Which country's papaya is best in October?
- Look for Malaysia.
- How do I pick a ripe papaya?
- Colour: Mostly yellow-orange skin with a little green. Feel: Gives slightly, like a ripe avocado. Cut papaya: Deep orange-red flesh and shiny black seeds. Avoid: Bruised, mouldy or very soft patches.
- How should I store papaya?
- Counter, then fridge. Lasts Ripen 2–3 days, then 3–4 days. A squeeze of lime brings out the flavour.