papaya choosing... color and fragrance indicate ripeness but one can be fabulous and the other can be so hard it can hardly be cut. What gives?

also there are many named varieties of papaya, some gmo. newer types are designed for shipping, so they'll stay crisp even after ripening. try shredding them and dressing with a sweet chile lime sauce.

Papayas, paw-paws as they call them in Bermuda, are not particularly fragrant. Softness in the fruit is the key, particularly at the stem end. They do continue to ripen on your countertop. A ripe papaya, chilled with a squeeze of lime is a righteous start to your day.