How Can I Ferment Green Pawpaw?

Papaya skin contributes astingency to the flavor of the fermented fruit. Fermenting fruit involves using bacteria to support the conversion of sugar to ethyl alcohol. Although fermentation occurs naturally in fruits, conducting fermentation in a controlled environment produces a final product fit for consumption. Green papaws, or papayas, at the height of freshness have a sugar content ideal for fermentation when used in conjunction with a basic yeast starter. In-season papayas --- those harvested between June and September, depending on the location --- contribute less tannins than out-of-season fruit.

Difficulty:EasyQuart canning jar with lid and gasketWire rackStockpotForkKitchen towel or rack for drying2 cups water1 cup white granulated sugarInstant-read thermometer1/4 oz. baker's yeast (one packet)1 cup fresh papaya, peeled cut into 1-inch cubes1

Fill a quart-sized canning jar with water. Place a wire rack in the bottom of a stockpot and position the canning jar on top of the rack.

2

Fill the stockpot with water until it covers the quart jar by 1/2 inch. Place the stockpot on the range. Place the fork, jar lid and gasket into the water and bring it to a boil.

3

Boil the jar, lid and fork for 10 minutes. Turn the heat off and remove the jar with a jar lifter (sometimes referred to as a lid lifter). Place it on a rack to air-dry. Remove the lid and its gasket with a pair of tongs and allow them to air-dry. Alternatively, forgo Steps 1 through 3 and wash the jar and lid using the sterilizing function on a dishwasher.

1

Fill a saucepan with 2 cups of water and 1 cup of white granulated sugar. Adjust the heat to medium-low and stir until the sugar dissolves. Adjust the heat to reach a temperature of 75- to 85-degrees Fahrenheit as measured with an instant-read thermometer.

2

Remove the water-sugar mixture from the heat and pour it into the sterilized canning jar. Add 1/4 oz. of baker's yeast to the jar and stir with the sterilized fork.

3

Position the lid on the jar but don't secure it as yeast produces carbon dioxide during fermentation and needs an outlet for escape. Place the jar in a cool, dry place and allow it to sit for three days. Add 1 cup of fresh papaya and 1 cup of white granulated sugar to the jar and replace the lid without tightening it.

4

Ferment the fruit for three days. If you see the carbon dioxide bubbles subside during fermentation, add 1 cup of sugar and stir.

Yeast tends to stick, so using a utensil with a relatively small surface area, such as a fork, is ideal for stirring.

Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images; Read Next:

eHow Food, Rachael Ray and her Buddies want to show you how to get more out of every day, every meal and every moment.

You Can’t Beat Bad Meat The key to hosting successful barbecues, the kind that make you woozy with approval, is really no secret. You buy better meat than your guests…

View the original article here