What is a green salad papaya?
The green salad papaya, also called som tam, is an unripe papaya variety that is particularly popular in Thai cuisine. Unlike the ripe, orange papaya, the green variety has a crisp, firm bite and a slightly sour flavor. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a true superfood.
Visually, the green salad papaya resembles a large, elongated pumpkin. Its skin is green and smooth, and the flesh is white and firm. Before eating, the papaya must be peeled, seeded, and cut into thin strips.
Why is the green salad papaya so popular?
In addition to its unique taste and crunchy texture, the green salad papaya offers several other advantages:
1. Health booster
Green papaya is a true source of nutrients. It contains plenty of vitamin C, potassium, folic acid, and fiber. It's also rich in enzymes like papain, which aid digestion. Regular consumption can therefore promote health in many ways.
2. Versatile applications
Green salad papaya can be prepared in countless ways and incorporated into a wide variety of dishes. Whether as a crisp salad, in curries, as a side dish, or even as an ingredient in smoothies—the possibilities are almost limitless.
3. Refreshing summer dish
On hot summer days, green papaya is just what you need. Its slightly sour flavor and crisp texture make it a refreshing and light meal.
Thai papaya salad (“Som Tam”)
This classic salad is traditionally made in Thailand from green, unripe papaya and is spicy, fresh and crunchy.
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 1 small green papaya (unripe)
- 2–3 garlic cloves , finely chopped
- 1–2 red chilies , finely sliced (amount depending on desired spiciness)
- 1–2 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian version)
- 1–2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- A handful of cherry tomatoes , halved
- 1 handful of green beans (optional), cut into pieces and briefly blanched
- Some roasted peanuts , roughly chopped
preparation
- Peel the papaya , halve it lengthwise, and remove the seeds. Grate the flesh into thin strips or slice it with a julienne peeler.
- In a mortar (or bowl), lightly crush or grind the garlic, chili and palm sugar.
- Add fish sauce and lime juice and mix to create a spicy-sour marinade.
- Stir in the prepared papaya strips, tomatoes and beans and mix everything gently.
- Finally, sprinkle with roasted peanuts and serve immediately.
Tip : Truly green, unripe papayas are often hard to find here. However, you can also use slightly unripe papayas or a mix of half-green papaya and carrot strips (if you prefer something milder).
Why you'll love the green salad papaya
Whether as a main course, side dish, or snack, the green salad papaya is a true all-rounder in the kitchen. Its combination of crisp texture, refreshing acidity, and aromatic spices makes it a true taste experience.
What's more, it's also incredibly healthy and can be easily incorporated into a balanced diet. So what are you waiting for? Bring the green salad papaya home and let yourself be enchanted by its summery flavor!