What Causes Papaya to Have White Inside?
Papaya is a tropical fruit known for its sweet, musky taste and bright orange-yellow flesh. However, sometimes when you cut open a papaya, you may notice white streaks or patches in the flesh. So what causes papaya to have white inside?
The white discoloration in papaya flesh is usually caused by one of two things:
1. Low Temperatures
Papaya is a warmth-loving plant. It thrives in tropical environments with temperatures between 70-100°F. If papaya is exposed to low temperatures during its growth or ripening, chilling injury can occur.
Chilling injury causes the flesh inside the papaya to turn water-soaked and mushy. As it oxidizes, it takes on a brownish or whitish appearance.
This happens because cold temperatures damage the cell membranes in the fruit. The damaged membranes release enzymes that break down papaya's flesh and cause discoloration.
To avoid cold damage, papayas should not be stored below 55°F. Cold storage and transport temperatures can lead to chilling injury.
2. Oxidation
Oxidation, or exposure to oxygen, can also cause white flesh in papaya. When a papaya is cut open, the flesh is exposed to air.
The enzyme papain found in papaya acts on the oxygen and oxidizes the flesh. This oxidation causes the color to turn brownish-white.
Unripe papayas contain more papain compared to ripe ones, so they are more susceptible to oxidation. Leaving cut papaya out too long before eating can also increase oxidation.
To prevent oxidation, it's best to cut papaya right before eating. Sprinkling lemon juice on cut surfaces can also slow down the oxidation process.
Is White Papaya Safe to Eat?
White portions of papaya may not look very appealing, but they are still safe to eat. The white discoloration does not indicate spoilage.
Papaya flesh turns white due to chill damage or oxidation, but neither affects the papaya's safety or nutritional content. As long as the fruit is not rotten, it is still fine to eat.
The taste, texture, and aroma of white papaya may be slightly altered. The flesh is often softer and mealier compared to orange papaya. It can have a milder flavor and less sweetness.
But while not ideal, these changes do not make the papaya unsafe. The only risk from chilling injury would be faster deterioration of the fruit. As long as the papaya is consumed soon after cutting, it poses no health hazards.
Checking for Spoilage
To be extra safe, you can check for signs of spoilage before eating white papaya:
- Soft or mushy spots
- Mold growth
- Unpleasant sour odor
- Liquid oozing from fruit
If you notice any of these, it's best to discard the papaya. Otherwise, it should be perfectly fine to eat the white portions along with the orange parts.
How to Prevent White Papaya
While white papaya is edible, it's understandable if you want to avoid those off-putting white spots and streaks. Here are some tips for preventing white flesh in your papayas:
Choose Tree-Ripened Fruit
Pick papayas allowed to fully ripen on the tree if possible. Fruit that ripens on the plant has the best flavor and texture. Tree-ripened papaya also has lower moisture content, making it less prone to chill damage.
Handle Papaya Carefully
Papaya is a delicate fruit that bruises easily from rough handling. Be gentle when transporting, storing, and displaying papaya. Drops, bumps, and squeezes can lead to impact bruising and accelerated decay.
Maintain Proper Storage Temperatures
Keep papaya stored at 55-77°F. Do not refrigerate unless ripe. Chilling unripe green papaya can cause cold damage and white flesh. Let papaya ripen at room temperature instead.
Control Ripening Conditions
Ripen papaya in a clean, well-ventilated area. Keep away from direct sunlight. Ripening generates heat, so don't stack papayas too high. Moderate 60-65°F temperatures are ideal.
Prevent Water Accumulation
Excess moisture on the fruit surface can accelerate chilling injury. Avoid washing papayas before storage. Keep them dry by wiping with soft cloth or paper towel.
Use Ripened Papaya Quickly
Consume ripe papayas within 2-3 days for best quality. The riper the fruit, the faster it deteriorates. Refrigerate ripe papaya to slow additional ripening.
Reduce Oxidation
Cut papaya just before eating to limit oxidation. If holding cut fruit, sprinkle lemon or pineapple juice to retard enzymatic browning.
What to Do with White Papaya
If some of your papaya did end up having white spots or streaks, don't worry - you have options! Here are some great ways to use up that white papaya:
Make Papaya Smoothies
Blend papaya with yogurt, milk, or ice cream for a refreshing drink. Other fruits like banana or pineapple also pair well in smoothies.
Bake Papaya Bread or Muffins
Sweet, tropical papaya bread makes a delicious breakfast treat. Add nuts or dried fruit for extra flavor.
Make a Fruit Salad
Mix chopped papaya with berries, citrus, melons, or pineapple for a colorful medley. The other fruits will mask white papaya's dull color.
Use in Salsas
Spice up your salsas with tangy papaya. Combine with tomato, onion, chilies, and cilantro.
Make Papaya Jam
Cook papaya into a sweet jam, perfect for spreading on toast. Enhance with ginger or lime zest.
Dehydrate for Snacks
Dehydrate white papaya slices into sweet, chewy fruit strips. Kids will love the natural candy-like flavor.
Juice It
White papaya can be juiced alone or with other produce like carrots or kale. The other juices help mask the color.
So in summary, white papaya is still edible and nutritious despite the off-putting appearance. Handle papaya with care, control storage temperatures, and use the fruit promptly once ripened to avoid unpleasant white flesh. But even if some whiteness develops, don't let good papaya go to waste!
FAQs
Why did my papaya have white spots inside?
White spots or streaks in papaya are usually caused by chilling injury from exposure to cold temperatures. Oxidation when the fruit is cut open can also create white discoloration.
Can I still eat papaya if it has turned white inside?
Yes, white papaya is still safe to eat as long as it hasn't become rotten. The texture and taste may be slightly different, but it is not harmful.
How can I prevent white flesh in papaya?
Proper storage temperatures around 55-77°F can prevent chilling injury. Handle papaya gently, ripen at room temperature, and consume ripe fruit quickly. Limiting oxidation will also minimize white spots.
What's the best way to use up papaya with white inside?
Blend into smoothies, bake into breads or muffins, make jams or salsas, dehydrate into fruit strips, or juice it. Combining with other fruits can help mask the dull white color.
Should I cut off the white parts of papaya?
No, it's not necessary to trim the white portions. The whole papaya is still edible, though the texture and taste of the white flesh may be slightly altered.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment