Papaya is a tropical fruit with a soft, buttery texture and a strong light to dark orange color. Christopher Columbus called it the “fruit of the angels” and it was considered to be an exotic fruit in most countries with the exception of the tropics. Its shape is similar to that of a pear and the size can vary from 7” to 20”. The skin is a medium thickness, easy to peel, and ranging in color from a strong yellow to dark orangey pink.
Eating papaya provides many health benefits. It is rich in anti-oxidants, such as the powerful Vitamins C and A. it is a good source of fiber and folic acid. The anti-inflammatory effects of the fruit have been known for centuries to those that like me have roots in the Caribbean and other tropical locations. The digestive enzyme papain, better known for its use as a meat tenderizer, and the lesser known chymopapain, are a powerhouse of enzyme reducing inflammation.
How do you eat a papaya? After cutting in half and removing the large round black seeds, you can scoop it right out. Or if you want to save some or share it, slice and store in the refrigerator. Don’t worry about buying a large papaya because it will not go to waste. It’s such a versatile ingredient and can be used in salads with other fruits or vegetables, in a salsa mixed with cilantro, garlic, onion and hot peppers, in ice cream or as a smoothie, as a topping for cake, pudding, ice cream or yogurt.
Eating papaya provides many health benefits. It is rich in anti-oxidants, such as the powerful Vitamins C and A. it is a good source of fiber and folic acid. The anti-inflammatory effects of the fruit have been known for centuries to those that like me have roots in the Caribbean and other tropical locations. The digestive enzyme papain, better known for its use as a meat tenderizer, and the lesser known chymopapain, are a powerhouse of enzyme reducing inflammation.
How do you eat a papaya? After cutting in half and removing the large round black seeds, you can scoop it right out. Or if you want to save some or share it, slice and store in the refrigerator. Don’t worry about buying a large papaya because it will not go to waste. It’s such a versatile ingredient and can be used in salads with other fruits or vegetables, in a salsa mixed with cilantro, garlic, onion and hot peppers, in ice cream or as a smoothie, as a topping for cake, pudding, ice cream or yogurt.
- Papaya is low in calories with only 40 calories in a half cup
- It is high in phyto-nutrients, vitamins and minerals, and is higher in vitamin C than an orange.
- It is high in soluble fiber, vitamin A and B-complex vitamins.
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