As I read through Nourishing Traditions, this recipe for Papaya Pepper stuck out to me. Last time, when I vermicomposted some papaya seeds, they really looked like peppercorns, especially after the worms ate away the outer membrane of the seeds. Now, seeing an actual recipe using these seeds as pepper? I just had to give it a try! Secretly, I hoped they wouldn't turn out completely like pepper, but more like grains of paradise. After trying this papaya pepper, I have to report that papaya pepper really doesn't taste like pepper at all. It's got a bit of a toasted, nutty flavor, and none of the spiciness of peppercorns. It's something I would add to some coconut (or tropical) dishes or treats - like creamy coconut popsicles! I can't quite describe how, but those flavors go together well. :)
Papaya Pepper
by CJ HuangPrep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Yield: variable
Materials:
| Mass | Weight | Volume | Number | Material | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 107 grams | 3.75 ounces | 1 papaya | papaya seeds |
Methods:
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1. Gather all materials. |
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2. Place seeds in water, and rub to remove any pulp. The pulp should float, while the seeds will sink. Skim off any pulp. Soak seeds in water overnight. |
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3. Strain seeds and place on a tray to dry. I dried the seeds in an oven set at 200F, and it took about 2 hours. Once the seeds are dry, they're ready to use! |
How interesting! They do kind of look like peppercorns, but I am glad the flavor is different. What a fun thing to try!
ReplyDeleteI thought it was one of those recipes where it can't hurt to try. I mean, you'd normally throw the papaya seeds out, right? :) We liked the nutty flavor, and it might make a good "kids" pepper!
ReplyDeleteI love papaya seeds and usually put them on salads. What a great idea to dry them and use them year round. I wonder if they would grind well in a pepper mill? Great idea! Thank you for sharing at the Recipe Swap.
ReplyDeleteThey work well in a pepper mill. That's how I used them. :) I hadn't even thought about putting the seeds on a salad, and it sounds like a great way to add some texture!
ReplyDeleteThis looks absolutely amazing! Pinned and tweeted. You always bring the most amazing creations to our party. Thank you! I hope to see you again, this Monday at 7 pm. It wouldn’t be a party without you! Lou Lou Girls
ReplyDeleteI never knew you could do this with the seeds! I will have to share this with my mother-in-law
ReplyDeleteI hadn't ever thought of it either. :) Such a great way to use something you'd usually throw away! Let me know if you or your MIL give it a try. :)
ReplyDeleteMy sister, who lives in Bahamas and has a papaya tree, does this. Such a cool idea. Thank you for sharing. It's always fascinating to me to learn uses for foods we usually think of as garbage or compost. Makes one feel closer to Mother Earth somehow.
ReplyDeleteAgreed! It's interesting how things one culture will think of as trash or compost are things another culture regularly uses. We can all learn from each other. :)
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