foto: YouTube/@SubarDhiny
Brilio.net - Papaya leaves are often used as side vegetables in various Indonesian dishes. Its finger-like shape with a cavity in the middle makes it easy to recognize. In addition to being delicious, papaya leaves also have many health benefits.
According to healthline.com, papaya leaves contain various beneficial nutrients, such as the enzyme papain which is good for digestion, antioxidants that can increase the body's resistance, and ingredients that are believed to facilitate breast milk production for breastfeeding mothers. In fact, several studies have shown that papaya leaves can help prevent the growth of cancer cells.
Unfortunately, despite its rich benefits, not everyone likes papaya leaves because of their bitter taste. This bitter taste can actually be reduced with the right cooking technique. If the boiling method is wrong, papaya leaves can actually turn blackish brown and lose their freshness.
Some people use clay in the boiling process to reduce the bitter taste. However, did you know that there is another more practical way without using clay? You can imitate this method with easy-to-find kitchen ingredients.
How to Boil Papaya Leaves So They're Not BitterThis method was introduced by YouTube user @SubarDhiny and has proven to be effective in removing the bitter taste of papaya leaves. Here are the steps:
1. Wash the papaya leaves thoroughly
Make sure the papaya leaves that will be cooked have been washed clean from dust or dirt that sticks to them. You can use running water and squeeze them slowly so that the dirt is completely removed. After that, drain them.
photo: YouTube/@SubarDhiny
2. Boil the water until it boils
Heat water in a saucepan over medium heat until it boils. Try to use enough water so that the papaya leaves can be completely submerged.
3. Add Bitter Flavor Remover
To reduce the bitter taste, add some kitchen ingredients, namely:
- Tamarind solution (to taste, about 2-3 tablespoons of filtered tamarind solution)
- Salt (about 3 tablespoons)
- You can add a little sugar to balance the taste, although this is optional.
4. Put the papaya leaves into the boiling water
After all the ingredients are dissolved in boiling water, add the washed papaya leaves. Make sure the leaves are completely submerged so that the boiling process is even.
5. Boil for the Right Time
Reduce the heat and boil the papaya leaves for 5 to 10 minutes only. Do not overcook as it can damage the texture and nutritional content.
photo: YouTube/@SubarDhiny
6. Lift and drain with cold water
After boiling, immediately remove the papaya leaves using a strainer. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the ripening process and keep the green color fresh.
photo: YouTube/@SubarDhiny
7. Ready to be processed into food
Boiled papaya leaves can be directly processed into various delicious dishes, such as stir-fries, urap, or raw vegetables.
This method can also be used to reduce the bitter taste of other vegetables, such as cassava leaves and bitter melon. Some users who have tried this method admit that the results are really effective in reducing the bitter taste.
1. Why do papaya leaves taste so bitter?
Papaya leaves contain alkaloid compounds that give a natural bitter taste. However, with the right boiling technique, this bitter taste can be reduced.
2. Do papaya leaves always have to be boiled before cooking?
Not always, but boiling helps reduce the bitterness and makes the texture softer so it is more enjoyable to eat.
3. Are salt and tamarind really effective in removing the bitter taste?
Yes, the combination of tamarind and salt helps bind the bitter compounds in papaya leaves, making it taste better.
4. Can this method be used for other vegetables?
Yes. This technique is also effective for other vegetables that have a bitter taste, such as bitter melon and cassava leaves.
5. How to store boiled papaya leaves?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 2-3 days to keep it fresh.
By following the steps above, you can enjoy papaya leaves without the annoying bitter taste. Good luck!
(brl/tin)
