1:
1. Look for a yellow skin with a few green patches.
2. Press the fruit gently – it should give slightly.
3. Smell the bottom – a fragrant aroma means ripeness.
2:
4. The skin should be free of blemishes or bruises.
5. Check for a slight softness near the stem.
6. A ripe papaya will feel heavy for its size.
3:
7. Ripe papayas have a sweet fragrance.
8. Avoid papayas with a strong smell or mushy texture.
9. The fruit should yield to gentle pressure.
4:
10. The fruit's skin should be smooth and slightly waxy.
11. Ripe papayas will have a golden yellow color.
12. A ripe papaya will have a uniform coloration.
5:
13. Papayas should have some give when gently squeezed.
14. The stem should be dry and not mushy.
15. Look for a dull, yellow color – not green.
6:
16. Ripe papayas will be slightly soft to the touch.
17. The skin should be firm but yield to pressure.
18. The fruit should have a fruity aroma.
7:
19. Papayas should feel heavy for their size.
20. Ripe papayas will have a sweet, tropical scent.
21. The skin should give slightly when pressed.
8:
22. The fruit's skin should be free of wrinkles.
23. Look for a smooth, unblemished surface.
24. Ripe papayas will have a rich, sweet aroma.
9:
25. Avoid papayas with green or hard spots.
26. The fruit should feel heavy and not hollow.
27. Ripe papayas will have a buttery texture.