Save the Seeds:
The next time you buy a papaya, think twice about shovelling those seeds in the compost bin. Save them!
The best way to eat a papaya is by the spoonful with a few of its seeds. Yes, you CAN eat papaya seeds. Why would you eat them? Not only do they taste good, but here are a few health claims I have read about the papaya seed.
- Antioxidants that help fight free radicals.
- Enzymes that help keep the gut healthy.
- Fiber and healthy fats which help with weight management.
How do they Taste?
I personally love the taste of the papaya seeds, but, that being said, I am also one of those people that dusts liberally most meals with freshly ground black pepper. The seeds offer this slightly bitter peppery taste akin, some say, to horseradish, while the crunch adds mouth appeal that contrasts the buttery flesh. It kind of reminds me of how you eat the slightly bitter rind of soft Brie cheese to bring out the buttery sweet notes of the Brie. However, I must disclaim, try them moderately at first. I have also read that in high volumes papaya seeds could cause stomach upset, but then again, eating a carton of ice cream does the same;)
Here are a few ways you can use papaya seeds up:
- Stir one or two teaspoons in your morning yogurt, granola or smoothie.
- Dehydrate or dry them up, then grind them to make a spice which taste like pepper or horseradish. Rinse first then dry lightly in a clean tea towel. Use a dehydrator or an oven at its lowest setting until seeds are completely dried through.
- Add dried ground seeds to your favorite baking recipe, like carrot muffins or a poppy and papaya seed loaf.
- Add fresh papaya seeds to a salad dressing, like my Papaya Seed Salad Dressing recipe below.
Papaya Seed Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinager or other vinegar of choice like rice vinegar
- 1 Tbsp chopped shallot about 1/2 a small shallot
- 1 Tbsp fresh papaya seeds or to taste
- 1 Tbsp honey or maple syrup optional
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard or 1 tsp dry mustard powder
- Pinch 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup avocado or extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp freshly chopped thyme or oregano optional
Instructions
- In a small food processor or blender add all ingredients except the oil. Blend until combined. Add a little oil if you need some liquid to get it started.
- With food processor or blender running, slowly drizzle in remaining oil until you have a emulsified dressing. Taste and adjust flavours if necessary.
Photo by Reena Newman, props by Andrea McCrindle, and papaya seed salad dressing food styling by Christine Tizzard (be sure to follow me on Instagram)!
