Papaya - Raw / Green

Country of Origin: Brazil 🇧🇷
Class / Cat: 1

Introduction

Raw Papaya (Carica papaya) is a tropical unripe fruit with white-colored flesh which is used for cooking and salads. It is believed to be originated from the tropics of the Americas most probably from Central America. Papayas can vary in shapes and sizes and this depends on their variety. 

History

Papaya is believed to be originated from Central America and specifically from Southern Mexico. It was cultivated in these areas before the arrival of Columbus and after the arrival of Europeans, papaya was introduced in different regions such as Australia, South Africa, Hawaii, Texas, California, Florida, Caribbean Islands and other tropical and subtropical regions of the world. 

Regions

Papaya is a very popular fruit and nowadays it is cultured in many different parts of the world. The most important producing countries are Brazil, Nigeria, India, Mexico, Indonesia, The Congo, China, Peru, Thailand, and Venezuela to name a few. 

Flavours & Texture

Papaya has a sour flesh and edible seeds that have a pepper-like flavour. It has sweet and pleasant flavour and it tastes like cantaloupe melon or tropical mango. When raw/unripe, it is hard like unripe avocado with a firm, butter-like texture.

Preparation

Use a large sharp knife and cut the papaya in half. Using a large spoon, scrape out the seeds but note that the seeds are edible so you can eat them. Then you either scoop the fruit with a spoon or you can cut in slices after you peel it and have it raw, in fruit salad or in your smoothies.

Nutritional Value

Papaya is very low in calories and it can be used for weight loss in addition papaya is also a good source of fiber and minerals.