I love fresh papaya, but this superfruit doesn’t keep for long in my refrigerator. The good news is that I can preserve it in my dehydrator and use it in all kinds of recipes using dried papaya.
If you just want to dehydrate it, check out this tutorial.
I also love eating it plain (or slightly salted) as a snack!
If you’re not sure how to use dried papaya, I’ve gathered some delicious recipes to serve as inspiration!
11 Absolute Best Dried Papaya Recipes
Dried Papaya Scones
Nothing says brunch like fresh scones and these ones are some of my favorites. The mix of papaya and coconut give scones new meaning so they’re a great choice when you need a crowd pleaser. The recipe also allows you to use fresh or dried papaya so you can choose whichever option works best for you.
https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/tropical-scones-with-papaya-glaze/
Dried Candied Papaya
I love candied papaya when I have a craving for something sweet. Also known as dulce de papaya, this recipe is easy to make and is a fun option to keep on hand. Once you have candied papaya, there are any number of uses. From adding to your own trail mix to enjoying on its own, candied papaya can be made in large or small batches. Make sure that you follow the recipe though as the incorrect sugar content can make it overly sweet.
https://www.jeffandjopr.com/post/dulce-de-papaya-candied-papaya
Papaya Powder
Papaya is often dried in chunks or slices for easy use, but did you know that you can turn it into a powder as well? This is a good option when you want to add it to dishes, smoothies, and more. Many people enjoy having the powder on hand to put into frostings, glazes, and more. With the powder, you’ll get subtle sweetness and flavor. It takes some time to make so make sure that you make enough for a while.
Papaya Energy/Snack Bars
When I’m feeling tired, I turn to this recipe to make a simple no bake tropical energy bar. The bars are a simple pick me up and they’re great for breakfast or for snacks. What makes them an easy choice is that they’re full of fiber and antioxidants. Kids love them and you can make enough for a few days. I take them camping and hiking for an energy boost but they’re great to have at any time.
https://www.easyanddelish.com/no-bake-tropical-energy-bars-coffee-crunch/
Dried Papaya Trail Mix
Trail mix is probably the easiest option on this list but it’s a great one to try. It’s an easy snack to keep on hand. If you want to have healthy snacks for you and your family, this option gives you something that’s a little savory and a little sweet. It’s a good source of essential nutrients and antioxidants so consider making a batch of this.
http://epicureanvegan.com/2012/05/29/papaya-trail-mix/
Dehydrated Salted Papaya Crisps
I love having chips on hand but they’re not the healthiest choice! A great alternative is these dehydrated crisps made from papaya. These involve very thinly sliced papayas and you can also branch out and add your own seasonings. Papaya has only a mild flavor so you easily add your own seasoning blends to the crisps.
Oatmeal Papaya Cookies
I love this recipe because it contains dried papaya but you can also add another tropical fruit if you have it on hand. It contains chocolate chips so it doesn’t seem as healthy of a choice as it is but it’s a great choice! I love the softness of these cookies and the oatmeal keeps them moist. Make a large batch as you’ll be sure to go through them faster than planned!
Papaya Smoothie (Using Dried Papaya Powder as an Alternative)
This papaya smoothies is one of my favorites when I’m feeling a little sick or have a stomach concern. The ginger in the smoothie is a soothing option and it’s easy to make. I make sure to keep all of the ingredients on hand so that it’s easy to make whenever I need. Keep in mind that you can also customize the ingredients and add or delete items as you want.
https://foodal.com/drinks-2/smoothies/papaya-ginger-smoothie/
Coconut Pudding with Dried Papaya
This recipe is a refreshing summer dish that’s a favorite with many people. Although the recipe is designed with fresh fruit in mind, I substitute the dried papaya with good results. Since the dried version has the water removed from the fruit, I typically use only 1/4-1/3 cup of the dried papaya instead of fresh.
https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/coconut-pudding-with-tropical-fruits-101352
Papaya Salsa
Salsa is always good when using a tropical fruit. This recipe calls for fresh papaya but it’s not necessary. I typically add a small amount of water when using dried papaya instead of fresh. The liquid of the rest of the salsa ingredients will naturally rehydrate the dried papaya so don’t add too much water. You’ll want to make this ahead of time though so you have enough time for the papaya to rehydrate and soften.
https://theviewfromgreatisland.com/papaya-salsa/
Papaya Salad
This tropical fruit salad also calls for fresh papaya but you can use fresh or dried. It’s a great option if you want something bright and colorful to spice up your table. This is a favorite in the summer but I enjoy making it any time. Keep in mind that some of the ingredients can be challenging to find. If you can’t find the fresh version, using the dried fruit is perfectly fine as well!
https://www.myfoodandfamily.com/recipe/064279/tropical-fruit-salad
