Cooking meat is an art that requires proper ingredients and that many chefs and home cooks swear by is raw papaya.
This seemingly ordinary tropical fruit contains properties that make it a valuable addition to meat dishes.
Here’s why raw papaya should be part of your cooking repertoire when preparing meats.
Natural tenderizer
Raw papaya contains an enzyme called papain, which is famous for breaking down proteins. It is, therefore, a very good natural meat tenderizer. Adding raw papaya to tough cuts of meat helps soften the fibres so that the meat is tender and easier to chew. This is especially useful for meats like beef, mutton, or pork, which sometimes require long cooking times to get the right texture.
Rich flavour absorption
Raw papaya breaks down proteins in meat. This means marinades and spices can penetrate deep into the flesh of the meat, making the dishes more flavorful, as the flavour is absorbed in the meat instead of just the surface. It can add a lot of taste to your preparation of meat. The taste would be richer, and it is more nuanced.
It saves a lot of time while cooking, as the papain in raw papaya breaks down the fibres of the meat and
cooks it faster yet keeps it juicy. Thus, not only does it save time in the kitchen, but it also does not make the meat dry or overcooked.
Health benefits
Raw papaya will provide nutritional value for your meal. It is full of vitamins A, C, and E, very strong antioxidants. The nutrients boost immunity and keep the skin healthy. Papain makes the digestion of protein-rich food in the body easy as well.
How to use raw papaya in cooking?
To use raw papaya, peel the fruit and remove the seeds, then grate or puree it. Add the grated or pureed papaya to your meat marinade and let it sit for 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the cut and type of meat. For best results, use fresh raw papaya rather than powdered versions, as the enzyme is more active in its natural form.
In a nutshell, incorporating raw papaya into your meat recipes is a pretty basic but highly efficient means to add texture, flavour, and health benefits. Whether this is a hearty stew or grilled kebabs, this tropical fruit is bound to transform these dishes into culinary masterpieces.
