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Basic Information: Papaya is in the genus Carica of the family Caricaceae. It is a small, sparsely branched tree, usually with a single stem growing from 5 to 10 meters tall. The leaves are spirally arranged and are mainly located at the top of the tree, though you can see scarring on the lower trunk to show where the leaves and fruit were born. The flowers are sweet-scented, open at night and are wind or insect pollinated. The fruit is a large, fleshy berry, about 15-45 cm long and 10-30 cm in diameter, with smooth green skin that ripens to yellow or orange. The papaya is native to Mexico and Northern South America. Papaya fruit are commonly eaten fresh, but may also be processed into jams, jellies, juices, and the green fruits and young leaves can also be cooked and eaten as a vegetable.
Nutrition, Traditional Use and Research
The statements below describe nutrition facts, traditional use and published research. They are not health claims for our products.
- Papaya is a source of vitamin C, vitamin A (as beta-carotene), folate, fiber and water. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system, and fiber contributes to normal bowel function.
- Papaya contains papain, a protein-digesting enzyme. Papain is used in traditional cooking to tenderize meat, and ripe papaya is traditionally eaten as part of a meal to support digestion.
- Papaya is low in calories and rich in fiber and water, which makes it a useful fruit as part of a balanced diet.
- In traditional folk practice in several countries, parts of the papaya plant such as seeds, roots, green fruit and latex are used for various complaints. These are traditional uses only and have not been confirmed by sufficient scientific evidence. Unripe papaya and its latex should not be consumed by pregnant women.
- Laboratory studies have examined papaya compounds such as antioxidants and enzymes for various properties. These are early findings from cell and animal studies and do not show that papaya prevents or treats any disease.
- The orange color of papaya comes from carotenoids such as beta-carotene and lycopene, which have antioxidant properties in laboratory tests. Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.
- Papaya fruit juice and ripe papaya are traditionally eaten for their fiber, which contributes to normal bowel function.
Fun Facts:
- Christopher Columbus once referred to papaya as the “fruit of the angels”
- The small, black seeds in the center of the fruit taste like black pepper and in some countries, some people use this in place of black peppercorns
- The papaya tree can grow from a seed to a 20 foot, fruit bearing tree in less than 18 months
How to Grow Papaya:
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to grow papaya:
1. Choose a suitable location. Papaya trees thrive in warm, sunny locations with well-drained soil. They are sensitive to frost, so it is important to choose a planting site that is protected from cold temperatures.
2. Gather your supplies. You will need papaya seeds, seed starting mix, a container for starting seeds, a pot for transplanting seedlings, and potting mix.
3. Prepare the seeds. Extract the seeds from a ripe papaya fruit. Wash the seeds thoroughly and let them dry for a few days.
4. Sow the seeds. Fill your container with seed starting mix and moisten it well. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
5. Germinate the seeds. Place the container in a warm, sunny location and keep the soil moist. The seeds should germinate in 2-3 weeks.
6. Transplant the seedlings. Once the seedlings have a few true leaves, transplant them into individual pots with potting mix.
7. Care for your papaya trees. Water your papaya trees regularly, especially during hot weather. Fertilize them every few months with a balanced fertilizer.
8. Harvest your papaya fruits. Papaya fruits are ripe when they are yellow or orange and yield to gentle pressure.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papaya
https://plantvillage.psu.edu/topics/papaya-pawpaw/infos
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-papaya.html
https://mobile-cuisine.com/did-you-know/papaya-fun-facts/