Green Papaya

Green papaya is unripe papaya used as a vegetable rather than a fruit - it has a mild, neutral flavour and a firm, crunchy texture similar to a crisp courgette or kohlrabi. It forms the base of many Southeast Asian salads, particularly Thai som tum. To prepare it, halve it lengthways, scoop out the seeds which are unpleasant to eat, and peel the skin which can be tannic and tough. Julienne or finely shred the flesh so it absorbs dressings well and provides a pleasant crunch. Don't confuse green papaya with ripe papaya - the ripe fruit is soft, sweet and orange, completely different in use and texture.