How to Make and Use Dried Papaya Seeds

To make dried papaya seeds in a food dehydrator, slice fresh papaya fruit in half and remove the seeds. Arrange the papaya seeds in a single layer on food dehydrator trays and dehydrate them at 100°F for 3 to 4 hours.

How to Make Dried Papaya Seeds in a Dehydrator

The best way to dry papaya seeds is to use a food dehydrator because of the low temperature.

1. Slice a fresh papaya fruit in half lengthwise and remove the seeds using a spoon.
2. Run clean water over the papaya seeds and rub them gently with your fingers to remove the flesh and sticky membrane.
3. Place papaya seeds in single layers on food dehydrator trays.
4. Set the food dehydrator temperature to 100°F, and dehydrate for 3-4 hours. If your dehydrator doesn’t reach this temperature, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dehydrating seeds.
5. Organic papaya seeds dry quickly, but make sure you turn the seeds with a spatula from time to time for more uniform drying.
6. The dehydration process is complete when the seeds look and feel dry. If you spot any visible signs of moisture, return them to the dehydrator trays and continue drying them.
7. Once dry, remove from the dehydrator trays and allow the seeds to reach room temperature.
8. Condition the seeds by placing them in clear, airtight containers for 7 days. Shake the containers once per day to ensure no condensation forms on the interior of the container.
9. Transfer the seeds to a clean, dry airtight container for long-term storage. Store dried fruit seeds away from direct sunlight and humidity.

How to Make Dried Papaya Seeds in an Oven

If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can make dried papaya seeds in a conventional or convection oven.

1. After you have removed the seeds from the fresh papaya fruit, wash and rinse them thoroughly to remove the sticky membrane.
2. Preheat the oven to 120°F or the lowest temperature setting, and arrange the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking.
3. Place the baking sheet in the middle of the oven and crack the oven door open slightly to allow humidity to escape and promote airflow.
4. Dehydrate the seeds for 2 to 3 hours or until they are dry, hard, and wrinkled.
5. Let the seeds cool before conditioning the seeds in clear containers.
6. Transfer fully dried papaya seeds to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.

How to Air Dry Papaya Seeds

Sun-drying raw papaya seeds requires time and patience but preserves the nutrients in the seeds. Here’s how to naturally air-dry papaya seeds:

1. Choose a dry, warm place outside to air-dry papaya seeds. Ensure the weather is favorable and sunny. If drying seeds indoors, place them in a well-ventilated room with a temperature between 60°F and 77°F.
2. Slice raw papaya fruit in half and remove the seeds. Then, thoroughly rinse the seeds and remove the membranes.
3. Place papaya seeds on a clean kitchen towel, and spread them out, ensuring none of the seeds are touching.
4. Place the towel containing the seeds outside and place them in direct sunlight, or place them in a well-ventilated room. If placing seeds outside, protect them from birds by placing a mesh screen over them.
5. It takes 2 to 3 days for papaya seeds to dry naturally in the sun. Depending on the humidity and temperature outdoors, the drying time can vary. It can take up to a week for papaya seeds to dry indoors.
6. Check on the seeds periodically and flip them to ensure even drying.
7. Once they appear dry, condition them in clear containers for 7 days, shaking the containers once daily to ensure no condensation forms on the interior of the container.
8. Once thoroughly dried, store dried papaya seeds in airtight containers and keep them in a cool, dry place.

Health Benefits and Nutrition of Dried Papaya Seeds

Papaya is a tropical fruit that produces seeds with numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare when eating papaya seeds, but you can experience digestive issues if you consume too many at once.

Enjoy eating the seeds in moderation to maximize their many benefits:

• Aids in digestion: The digestive enzyme papain found in Carica papaya is good for gut health and promotes a healthy digestive system.
• Boosts the immune system: Dehydrated papaya seeds are a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C, which helps boost immunity and fight various infections.
• Helps fight cancer: Research has shown that the papain enzyme in dried papaya seeds has anti-cancer properties.
• Prevents skin aging: Dried papaya seeds contain lycopene that fights against free radicals and helps prevent the skin from aging.
• Reduces inflammation: Dried papaya seeds boast anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce joint and gut inflammation.
• Regulates blood sugar: Dried papaya seeds contain flavonoids, an antioxidant that helps control blood sugar levels.
• Weight loss: Dried papaya seeds can be eaten for weight loss as a healthy, low-calorie snack.

How Do You Use Dried Papaya Seeds?

Drying papaya seeds will make them last longer, so they can be used throughout the year. Here are some creative ways to use dried papaya seeds:

• Combine dried papaya seeds, garlic, pepper, and sea salt to make a rub to use when cooking chicken, ribs, and other meats
• Eat dried papaya seeds on their own or add them to shakes and smoothies
• Make a paste with dried papaya leaves and seeds and apply it to your skin, neck, and face to enjoy anti-aging benefits
• Use a mortar and pestle or coffee grinder to grind dried papaya seeds and mix them into salad dressing
• Use these tiny black seeds in their powdered form as a black pepper substitute in recipes

What Does Dried Papaya Seed Taste Like?

Dried papaya seeds are slightly bitter with a peppery flavor. They have a crunchy texture, making them great to use as a seasoning or textural component in various recipes.

Shelf Life of Dried Papaya Seeds

If properly stored, dried papaya seeds have a shelf life of several years. Store dried papaya seeds with oxygen absorbers to maximize their shelf life.

If you wish to grind the seeds into powder, store the seeds whole and only grind them when you need them. Ground seeds have a shelf life of 6 months.

How to Store Dried Papaya Seeds

Store dried papaya seeds in airtight containers to prevent moisture from reaching the seeds. Keep containers in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

Make sure you label storage containers with the name of the seeds and the date of drying before you store them.