Papaya juice

Ray · June 2004

Has anyone experimented with papaya juice in injectable marinades. My own experience has been that it is so powerful that even distribution of a very weak concentration is required to avoid a most disgusting slimy mush. But used with disgression can be very effective on thin cuts. What I'm interested in is big tuff cuts cooked only to the right internal temp for medium rare and still get to "fall apart". Do you think it's pie in the sky?

RhumAndJerk · June 2004

Ray ,
I think that it is worth a try. The enzyme in Papaya’s is often used to tenderize meat. I am guessing that you are talking about beef roast of some sort. Keep in mind that you will probably end up with a very Caribbean flavor to your meat and to me that could be a good thing. [p]Are you planning on adding anything else to the juice before injecting? I might try some allspice, thyme, garlic and ginger combination along with some sort of Chile heat. Also, I would let the meat sit for maybe four hours before cooking in order to give the papaya juice time to work. [p]I am not sure of the fall apart at medium rare part. That is usually reserved for Prime Rib.[p]This idea does sound good,
RhumAndJerk[p]PS: Add a splash of rum to juice.[p]

BBQfan1 · June 2004

Ray ,
Fruit and veggie-derived enzymes are innarestin things. I've experimented with them to a degree, both on my home cooks and in with Dizzy Pig competition and commercial rubs/concoctions.
The two most notable fruit-based enzymes are papain and bromelaine from papaya and pineapple respectively. You can buy them in pill/powder form as 'digestive aids' in that they break down proteins and get that 2lb order of suicide wings broken down and through your intestinal tract...
You're right; they will turn meats (protein) to mush with even moderate exposure. We used papaya nectar as a tenderizer on our Dizzy Pig competiton brisket for a while, but then we just went to a higher grade of meat and achieved the same results.
Nothing wrong with 'playing' with papaya and pineapple as tenderizers, but, as you've discovered, it can and will turn meat to mush if you don't control the application...
Food science is fun!
Qfan

RayS · June 2004

Ray ,[p]I tried using kiwi fruit a few times without any success. The first time I tried it on pork for about 1 ½ hrs and it did nothing to the meat. The second time I marinated a large chunk of cheap steak all day and it turned out really mushy. I think timing is the key, but I’ve been reluctant to try again. [p]RayS

James · June 2004

Ray ,[p]
No dar papaya, por que papaya pelada, papaya comida.[p]

Ray · June 2004

BBQfan1,
Thank and the others for the interesting feedback.
Happy Meals

Papaya juice

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