Raw papaya, or kaccha papita, is a firm green fruit commonly used as a vegetable in Indian cooking. Its neutral flavor and soft texture after cooking make it suitable for curries, stews, and salads. Often grated or diced, raw papaya absorbs spices well and blends into both savory dishes and pickles. It is popular in regional cuisines such as Kerala and Bengali cooking. Choose papayas that are fully green and firm with no soft spots. Kaccha papita is a versatile ingredient that cooks quickly and adapts to a variety of cooking styles.