Papaya

The Papaya is also known as paw paw, papaw, pawpaw, is the fruit of the Carica Papaya plant. Papaya is a tropical plant have originated in Sothern Mexico and Central America, is now cultivated in tropical and subtropical region worldwide. The Majority of world production comes from India, Brazil, Nigeria, Indonesia, and Mexico.

Description:

The Papaya fruits are spherical or pear shaped fruits that can be as long as 20 inches. The papaya flesh is a rich orange color with either yellow or pink hues. Papaya has a wonderful soft, butter-like consistency and delicious sweet and musky flavor. The inner cavity of the fruit is contains black and round seeds encased in a gelatinous like substance. Papaya seeds are edible, although their flavor is bitter. The Papaya is a natural source of vitamins and minerals that are essential for the health benefits.

Storage:

They will usually keep well at room temperature for about 2 days. If stored properly in the fridge, then it will keep for about 5 to 7 days.

Uses:

Papayas are commonly used in both forms, raw and ripe, to cook a number of dishes. Papaya can be eaten as a fruit, a smoothie, a milkshake, and as a vegetable in raw form. The Papaya fruits are a source of flavoring used in candies, jellies, desserts, and Ice creams. The unripe green fruit can be eaten cooked and usually used in curries, salads, and stews.

Health Benefits:

There are several Health’s Benefits mentioned below,

• Better Digestion
• Promote weight loss
• Prevent infection
• Relives toothache
• Anticancer Properties
• Reduce Acne and Burns
• Anti-inflammatory
• Heart Disease and cancer
• Diabetes
• Immunity
• Arthritis
• Dengue

Nutritional Value of Papaya:

Nutritional Value of Papaya contains per 100gms is mentioned below:

Energy                               43 kcal

Carbohydrates                 10.82 g

Sugars             7.82 g

Fiber                1.7 g

Fat                                     0.26 g

Protein                             0.47 g

Vitamins

Vitamin A equiv.                47 μg                       Thiamine (B1)             0.023 mg

Riboflavin (B2)                  0.027 mg                Niacin (B3)                  0.357 mg

Pantothenic acid (B5)      0.191 mg                  Folate (B9)                  38 μg

Vitamin C                            62 mg                      Vitamin E                     0.3 mg

Vitamin K                            2.6 μg

Minerals

Calcium                          20 mg                           Iron                                0.25 mg

Magnesium                    21 mg                           Manganese                   0.04 mg

Phosphorus                    10 mg                           Potassium                     182 mg

Sodium                            8 mg                             Zinc                                0.08 mg

Properties:

Shape: Pear

Size:  15-45 cm

Color:  Amber to orange

Taste:  Sweet