Brilio.net - Papaya leaves are famous for their bitter taste. Even so, for some people the bitter taste of papaya leaves is actually a pleasure in itself. It's not surprising that papaya leaves are often processed into delicious and appetizing dishes.
So that the bitter taste disappears, papaya leaves are usually boiled first in a baking soda solution before being cooked into various dishes. After boiling for a while, drain the papaya leaves.
Unfortunately, the process of boiling papaya leaves using a baking soda solution actually changes the color. Yes, the color looks blackish.
To minimize this from happening, you can imitate the method done by YouTube user Phesi Esterju. In his video upload, this netizen appears to be replacing baking soda with other kitchen ingredients when boiling papaya leaves. Curious about the results?
Tricks for boiling papaya leaves so that they are green and not bitter.
First, wash the papaya leaves to be processed. On the other hand, put enough water in the pan. Put the pan on the stove, turn on the fire. Boil water until it boils.
After boiling, he immediately added the first kitchen ingredient, namely cooking oil, into the pan. After stirring thoroughly, add the papaya leaves to the cooking water.
"The key is not to reduce the bitter taste, but to just make it green," he said, quoted by BrilioFood from YouTube Phesi Esterju on Saturday (24/2).
photo: YouTube/Phesi Esterju
Boil papaya leaves until half cooked. Once done, turn off the heat and let the papaya leaves soak in the cooking water for some time.
"Let the boiled water cool so that it will cook perfectly," said the owner of the video.
photo: YouTube/Phesi Esterju
Once completely cooked, immediately drain the papaya leaves. Papaya leaves can be consumed directly or processed into other dishes.
As seen in the video, this netizen deliberately processed papaya leaves into curry. Well, according to him, using coconut milk can neutralize the bitter taste of papaya leaves. Coconut milk is the second kitchen ingredient that can overcome the bitterness of papaya leaves.
photo: YouTube/Phesi Esterju
Once completely mixed with coconut milk and spices, the papaya leaf curry can be served immediately. The appearance looks tempting because the papaya leaves are bright green.
Ingredients and benefits of papaya leaves.
Papaya leaves contain a variety of nutrients and active compounds, including:
1. Vitamin A
Good for eye, skin and immune system health.
2. Vitamin C
Helps improve the immune system and accelerates wound healing.
3. Vitamin E
Acts as an antioxidant that protects body cells from damage caused by free radicals.
4. Carotenoids.
Includes beta-carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A and has antioxidant properties.
5. Papain enzyme.
Plays a role in protein digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Flavonoids.
Compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
7. Phenolic compounds.
Papaya leaves also have antioxidant properties and can help protect body cells from damage.
Apart from that, papaya leaves also contain minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, as well as fiber which is good for digestion.