Ingredients:

• Seeds from 1 ripe papaya
• A dehydrator or oven

Steps to Prepare Dried Papaya Seeds:

1. Collect the Seeds:
   • After cutting open a ripe papaya, scoop out the seeds and place them in a strainer. Rinse them under cold water to remove any remaining fruit pulp.
2. Dry the Seeds:
   • Pat the seeds dry with a towel to remove excess moisture. You can air-dry them by spreading them out on a paper towel for a few days, or you can speed up the process by using a dehydrator or oven.
   • Dehydrator Method: Place the seeds in a single layer on the dehydrator trays and set the temperature to around 120°F (50°C). Let them dry for 12-24 hours until they are completely dry and hard.
   • Oven Method: Preheat your oven to the lowest setting (around 150°F or 65°C). Spread the seeds on a baking sheet and bake them for 2-3 hours, checking regularly to ensure they don’t burn.
3. Grind the Seeds:
   • Once fully dried, you can grind the papaya seeds using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle until you achieve a fine powder, similar in texture to ground black pepper.
4. Store the Seeds:
   • Store the ground papaya seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They will keep for several months, providing a long-lasting black pepper alternative.

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