Look for Vibrant Color A ripe papaya will have bright, golden-yellow skin with hints of orange. Avoid papayas with too much green, as this indicates it's under-ripe.
Check for Slight Softne Gently press the papaya with your thumb. It should give slightly but not be too mushy. A perfectly ripe papaya will feel soft to the touch.
Smell It A ripe papaya will have a sweet, fragrant aroma near the stem. If there's little to no smell, it may be under-ripe.
Inspect the Shape Choose a papaya with a slightly oval shape. It should have a smooth, unblemished skin with no dark spots or wrinkles.
Avoid Hard Papaya A hard papaya means it’s not ripe yet. While some green is acceptable, the fruit should not feel firm or tough.
Check for Wrinkles or Dent While a few minor wrinkles are normal as papayas ripen, large dents or wrinkles can be a sign of over-ripeness or poor handling.
Consider Size for Your Need Papayas come in various sizes. Choose the size depending on how much you need; a larger papaya will have more flesh but may take longer to ripen.