A palm-like tree

Tropical fruit that contains high amounts of vitamins and tastes similar to melon.

Papaya - Tropical Fruit Full of Vitamins

Papaya belongs to the genus of heat-loving plants, family Caricaceae. It's known for its large, edible fruits. This genus contains only one species, Carica papaya.

It most likely originates from the humid tropical zone of Central America. It's a perennial dioecious plant that resembles a palm tree, reaching heights of up to 10 m. Its trunk doesn't contain wood, only a hollow stem.

The trunk has a diameter of 30cm and tapers upwards without branching. Thanks to the surface tissue on the trunk, the tree withstands wind pressure and the weight of fruits.

At the top, it has yellow-green leaves measuring 80cm with petioles 40-60cm long. The plant contains latex vessels that produce latex when damaged. The flowers are unisexual and bisexual.

The fruits are berries that can weigh from 0.5kg to 10kg. The fruits are typically pear-shaped, spherical, or conical and can be up to 50 cm long. Inside the cavity, there are many black seeds that are inedible and serve as a pepper substitute.

In this article, you'll learn about: cultivation, proper fruit selection, nutrient content, papaya uses, culinary applications

Cultivation

We sow from seeds that have high germination rates. Seeds are sown 1 to 3cm deep. Before sowing, we treat the soil with a fungicide. The first sprouts emerge after just 2 days.

The soil shouldn't be too wet, but humus-rich and nutritious. It requires regular watering, diffused light, and air circulation. The temperature must not drop below 15°C.

For papaya to bear fruit, it must be grown in a greenhouse or provided with conditions similar to the tropics. Papaya can start bearing fruit 2 years after planting.

How to Choose a Good Papaya in the Store

They reach ripeness when they're smooth in some places and have a yellow-orange color.

Papaya shouldn't be soft to the touch. Avoid spotted fruits. If it has a yellow-orange color, that's the right one. If you buy a green one, the papaya hasn't ripened yet, so let it ripen at room temperature.

Vitamin Content

For better digestion, we recommend eating papaya once a week.

Provitamin A, which protects mucous membranes, vitamins B and C, and pantothenic acid. The enzyme papain helps break down proteins in our body into amino acids. Papain protects the fruit from insects.

Usage

Papaya can be used for facial masks. It removes spots, scars, wrinkles and dead cells from the skin. The skin looks revitalized and fresh. A few ways to prepare the mask.

Method 1

Mash the papaya flesh and apply it to your face and neck. Leave for 5 minutes and then rinse off.

Method 2

Mix the papaya flesh with one teaspoon of pineapple juice. Create a mixture and apply to your neck, face and around the eyes. Leave for 10 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water. Be careful not to get the mixture in your eyes.

Culinary Uses

Stuffed Papaya

Papaya can also be used for jams, juices, cocktails. It can also be used in soups, Asian cuisine, cakes or even stuffings.

You will need:

200g sugar
6 drops of lemon juice
1 cup of grapes (halved)
1 cup of melon
1 cup of apples
1 papaya
2 lemon-flavored gelatins

Mix the chopped fruit with the gelatin dissolved in boiling water. Peel the papaya and remove the seeds. Fill it with the mixture, wrap it in aluminum foil and leave in the refrigerator for 1 day.