Papaya

Description

Tropical fruit with orange flesh and sweet flavor. Main varieties are Formosa and Solo (Papaya). The plant grows rapidly and fruits continuously.

Benefits

Rich in papain (digestive enzyme), Vitamin A, and lycopene. Aids protein digestion, eye health, and protects against free radicals.

History and Origins

Papaya originated in Central and South America, especially southern Mexico. Cultivated by Mayans and Aztecs, it arrived in Brazil with Portuguese colonizers. Today, Brazil is one of the world's top producers.

Fun Facts

Papaya contains papain, an enzyme used to tenderize meat! A famous Brazilian dessert is "Papaya Cream": blended papaya served with Cassis liqueur.

What are the varieties of Papaya?

Varieties: Formosa (large, orange flesh), Solo/Papaya (smaller, reddish flesh), Sunrise (sweet), and Golden (yellow skin).

Nutritional Values per 100g of Papaya

Harvest Months