Papaya

Carica papaya flowers

The papaya, papaw or pawpaw is the plant Carica papaya, one of the 22 accepted species in the genus Carica of the family Caricaceae. Papayas contain 120 calories, 18 grams of sugar, and are a great source of vitamin A. Some benefits they have are they prevent asthma, lower risks of cancer, support bone health, prevent diabetes, aids digestion, lowers risks of heart disease, and maintains skin and hair.

Interesting facts about Papaya

Other namaes: Yellow Papaya Red Papaya Papaya  

• Are you aware that papaya is also called pawpaw or papaw?

• Are you aware that papaya originated in Mexico, Central America and northern South America?

• Are you aware that papaya grows in tropical climates?

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Ripe papaya

• Are you aware that India and Brazil are the top producers of papaya?

• Are you aware that papayas grow on a tree that is 16 to 33 feet tall?

• Are you aware that papaya grows in clumps near the top of the tree trunk?

• Are you aware that a papaya tree produces fruit within three years?

• Are you aware that a papaya ranges in size from 6-20 inches in length?

• Are you aware that a papaya ranges in weight from 1 pound to 10 pounds?

• Are you aware that the papaya skin ranges in color from pale yellow to deep orange?

• Are you aware that papaya has a spherical or pear shape?

• Are you aware that the inside of the papaya is filled with tiny black seeds?

Papaya tree

• Are you aware that papaya is ripe when it feels soft, similar to a ripe avocado?

• Are you aware that there are two kinds of commonly grown papaya --- “red papaya” and “yellow papaya”?

• Are you aware that red papaya has sweet, red or orange flesh?

• Are you aware that yellow papaya has yellow flesh?

• Are you aware that ripe papaya is usually eaten raw and seasoned with lemon, salt and pepper?

• Are you aware that ripe papaya is sweet and some say tastes similar to cantaloupe?

• Are you aware that in many Asian regions green papaya is eaten cooked and is used in curries, soups and stews?

• Are you aware that green papaya is rich in papain which is used for tenderizing meats? (It can break down tough meat fibers and is included as an ingredient in powdered meat tenderizers.)

Cut papaya

• Are you aware that the black seeds of papaya are edible and have a sharp, spicy taste? (The seeds are sometimes ground and used as a substitute for black pepper.)

• Are you aware that in some parts of Asia the young leaves of the papaya tree are steamed and eaten like spinach?

• Are you aware that in some parts of theworld papaya leaves are made into tea and used as a treatment for malaria?

• Are you aware that papaya is an excellent source of vitamins A and C? (Vitamin A is important for cell growth and development, for fighting off diseases and for good vision. Vitamin C is needed by the body to form collagen in bones, and aids in absorption of iron.)

Nutritional information on Papaya

NB:Carbohydrate, by difference(total carbs-fiber) is also called net carbs