Papaya is generally safe for pregnant women to consume, so long as they don’t overdo it, but like with any aspect of pregnancy, it’s best to check with your healthcare provider first.
To ensure that your papaya is ready to eat before you consume it, here are some pointers on how to choose a ripe papaya:
- Check the color – The skin of a ripe papaya can range in color from yellow to an orange-red hue.
- Perform the finger press test – By applying a light amount of pressure to the surface of the papaya with the tips of your fingers. If the papaya is ready to eat, you should be able to give it a little bit of wiggle room without it becoming overly soft. Papayas that are still firm when you touch them are not ripe, while those that are overripe will feel mushy.
- Do a nose test – When you bring the papaya up to your nose and hold it there for a few seconds, you should detect a tinge of sweetness. Unripe papayas won’t have any smell at all. Also, stay away from papayas that have a very pungent odor, as this indicates that they are over-ripeness.
Additionally, check that the base of the papaya where the stem used to be, to make sure it is free of mold.
When you get home with your ripe papaya, pop it straight into the fridge, as this will slow down further ripening.
