Papaya Sweet (Tabasco)

Papaya Sweet Recipe (Tabasco)

Papaya sweet is a Mexican dessert traditional that has its roots in the vibrant Mexican culture and in the use of tropical fruit like papaya. This typical sweet combines the natural sweetness of ripe papaya with the warm aroma of cinnamon, resulting in a flavorful papaya preserve that is ideal for sharing. Originally from Tabasco, this dessert stands out at gastronomic fairs and family celebrations.

Preparation time

To prepare this traditional sweet, take into account the times for each stage:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total: 1 hour 50 minutes approximately
• Servings: 6 to 8
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the sweet

• 4 kg of green or ripe papaya
• 3 kg of sugar
• 2 liters of water
• Cinnamon sticks
• One cup of lime (optional for the initial process)

If you can't find green papaya, you can use firm or semi-ripe papaya; avoid very ripe papaya because it could fall apart during cooking. The lime helps to firm up the papaya, but if you don't have it, it's not essential, we'll explain more later in the preparation.

Utensils we will use

• A medium or large pot with a lid
• A large container for soaking the papaya
• A sharp knife and cutting board
• A spoon or spatula for stirring
• Strainer
• Glass containers for preserving or serving

Preparation

1. Prepare the papaya

1. Wash and peel

   Wash the papaya with agua fresca to remove impurities. Then, with a knife, carefully peel off all the skin to keep only the pulp.

2. Cut into slices or cubes

   Cut the papaya into slices or cubes, approximately 3 to 5 cm in size, as you prefer.

3. Soak with lime (optional)

   If you decide to use lime to make the papaya firmer, prepare a container with water and add the cup of lime. Submerge it for 15 to 20 minutes. Then rinse the papaya well to remove any lime residue, and drain completely. If you don't have lime, you can skip this step and the sweet will be just as delicious, although the texture will be a bit softer.

2. Cooking the papaya sweet

1. Mix ingredients

   Place the cut papaya, sugar, and water in the saucepan. Bring to medium heat and cover the saucepan to speed up the cooking process.

2. Boil and cook

   When the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook covered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Add the cinnamon sticks

   Uncover the saucepan and add the cinnamon sticks. Continue cooking over medium heat for 1 to 1 and a half hours, stirring occasionally so that the mixture thickens evenly and the papaya acquires that characteristic flavor of a typical Tabasco sweet.

3. To finish and serve

Once the sweet has the desired texture, remove the cinnamon sticks. Let the sweet cool completely before placing it in glass containers and refrigerating it. It can be served cold or at room temperature and is often accompanied by local white cheese to complement its sweetness with a salty touch.

This sweet is ideal to enjoy alongside other examples of Mexico's tropical gastronomy, for example combined with other recipes involving fruits like mango and pineapple, or in the preparation of fresh salads that balance fresh flavors with the intensity of the papaya sweet.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Proteins: 1.5 g
• Fats: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 4 g

Nutritional values are approximate per serving and calculated for standard quantities of this homemade version of papaya sweet.

5 keys for the papaya sweet to be perfect

Achieving the ideal texture and flavor in this sweet requires paying attention to a few details during the process:

1. Using papaya at the right stage: Green or firm papaya works best to provide firmness and prevent it from falling apart during cooking.
2. Do not omit soaking: If you decide to use lime, this step helps preserve the texture, but requires thorough rinsing to avoid a bitter taste.
3. Cook over medium-low heat: Cooking at very high temperatures can harden the papaya or burn the sugar.
4. Add the cinnamon at the right time: Adding cinnamon after the first 30 minutes prevents the spice from dominating and allows its flavor to integrate harmoniously.
5. Stir slowly but frequently: Helps the sugar dissolve well and prevents the sweet from sticking to the bottom.

When is it ideal to enjoy this typical Tabasco sweet?

Papaya sweet is perfect for family gatherings and traditional festivities, especially during the months of October and November when Day of the Dead is celebrated in Mexico and it is common to see it on altars and offerings. But it is not limited to that time: its fresh flavor and texture make it ideal for any time of the year, accompanying breakfasts or as a light dessert, especially during the summer when papaya is a much-appreciated tropical flavor.

Comparative table of papaya sweet with similar desserts

Share your experience preparing this papaya sweet

The kitchen is a space to experiment and enjoy. Try this traditional recipe and share how it turned out for you, if you achieved that ideal texture or if you made any variation you liked. Did you accompany it with white cheese or combine it with other tropical fruits? Your opinion and homemade tricks enrich this tradition.

Culinary glossary of papaya sweet

• Soak: To submerge an ingredient in liquid to change its texture or flavor.
• Lime: Alkaline material that helps preserve firmness in fruits during cooking.
• Slice: Cut into long, thin slices.
• Cinnamon sticks: Long, thin pieces of cinnamon bark used for flavoring.
• Cook: To cook a food in liquid or steam until it reaches the desired point.

In addition to this recipe, you can try other tropical Mexican flavors that combine exquisite fruits and spices, such as the guava paste or the refreshing salad with tropical fruits.

The papaya sweet is one of the featured desserts in the gastronomic fairs of Tabasco, reflecting the natural and cultural richness of southeastern Mexico.