How to Store Papaya: the 4 Best Ways to Ensure it Ripens and Stays Fresh as Long as Possible

Ah, papaya—nature’s way of saying, "Here, have some sunshine in fruit form!" With its vibrant orange flesh, sweet tropical flavor, and an abundance of health benefits (vitamin C, digestive enzymes, fiber—the list goes on), papaya is a powerhouse in the fruit world. And did you know that September is practically its month to shine? But as with many exotic fruits, figuring out how to store it can be a bit more confusing than, say, grabbing an apple off the counter. Can it go in the fridge? Is freezing an option? What do we do after we've cut into it? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

How to Store Unripe Papaya so it Ripens

So, you’ve got an unripe papaya—firm, greenish, and not quite ready to hit your tastebuds with its tropical goodness. No problem! Just leave it out on your countertop at room temperature. Papayas, like bananas and avocados, ripen best in the open air. Depending on how unripe your papaya is, it might take anywhere from a couple of days to a week to fully ripen. You'll know it's ready when the skin turns a warm yellow-orange and yields slightly to pressure, like a perfectly ripe avocado. If you're in a hurry, placing it in a paper bag with an apple or banana can help speed things along, thanks to the ethylene gas they produce. No need to refrigerate at this stage—cold will only slow down the ripening process, and nobody wants a papaya stuck in fruit limbo!

How to Store a Ripe Papaya so It Doesn't Spoil

Once your papaya has reached peak ripeness, it’s time to cool things down—literally. A ripe papaya can last up to 3 days in the fridge before it starts to go downhill fast. The refrigerator slows down the ripening process, keeping your fruit fresher for longer without turning it into a mushy mess. Just pop it in whole or wrap it up in some cling film to protect the delicate skin. It’s best to use it within that window, though—papayas don’t keep forever, and after a few days, the texture starts to lose its charm. Trust me, a soft, squishy papaya is nobody’s idea of a good time.

How to Store Leftover Papaya Chunks

Once you’ve cut into that juicy papaya, things get a little trickier. Cut fruit tends to spoil faster because it’s exposed to air and bacteria, so the clock is ticking. If you’ve got leftovers, place the pieces in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They’ll keep fresh for about 2-3 days—after that, you’ll notice the fruit starting to break down, and the flavor might become a little off. Make sure to avoid letting it sit uncovered, as it can easily dry out or absorb other fridge odors (nobody wants a papaya that smells like yesterday’s leftovers).

Can You Freeze Papaya? 

If you’ve got more papaya than you know what to do with, freezing is a solid option! You can freeze papaya either ripe or cut, though ripe fruit tends to freeze best. Cut it into chunks and spread them out on a baking sheet before popping them in the freezer. Once they’re frozen solid, transfer the pieces to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method helps prevent the chunks from sticking together, so you can grab exactly how much you need later. Frozen papaya can last up to six months and is perfect for smoothies or sorbets (just thaw it in the fridge overnight or blend it directly). But beware—freezing changes the texture, so don’t expect it to have that same fresh, firm bite once it’s defrosted. It’s better for blending than for serving on a plate!