We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Food

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Papaya?

Tricia Christensen
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 41,961
Share

The papaya originated in Central and South America but now thrives in many countries with tropical or near tropical climates. When Columbus discovered the fruit on his travels, he described it as “the fruit of the angels.” Unlike some tropical fruits, the papaya appeals to most palates, and is quite easy to obtain even in countries where it does not grow well.

Papaya trees can grow to approximately 32 feet (10 m) tall. They have no branches, and the fruits, which produce year round, grow directly on the trunk of the tree. Papayas can be fairly large, sometimes as much as 20 inches (50.8 cm) long.

The fruit is sometimes round in shape, or may be more pear-shaped depending upon the variety and growing conditions. As available in stores, the papaya is generally not quite so long. Most have an average length of 7 inches (17.78 cm). The fruit is remarkably dense and may weigh up to a pound (approximately half a kilogram).

When fully ripe, the papaya has a yellowish to orange skin that is somewhat hard and not edible. Unripe papayas may be used in some recipes, but generally are not consumed. The interior of the fruit is deep orange, the taste sweet, and the texture soft. It is an excellent addition to the diet, as it contains a high amount of Vitamins A, C, and E, and folic acid. The papaya is also rich in dietary fiber and has antioxidant properties.

Black seeds mark the middle of the fruit. The seeds are not poisonous and many enjoy eating them. They are spicy, and in some cultures are finely ground to replace pepper. Others find the taste of the seeds a bit oily and bitter and simply discard them.

Papayas have long been known for their properties in improving digestion. The enzyme papain is extracted when the papaya is still unripe, and can be put into capsule or chewable form. Many swear by the papaya enzyme as an excellent alternative to less natural digestive aids like Tums®.

Papain can be used as a meat tenderizer as well, making tough meat more palatable. Papain is sometimes used with lime in ceviche. Ceviche is chopped fish cooked by the citric acid in lime, and the addition of papain can speed up the process.

The papaya makes a wonderful addition to fruit salads, and also is delightful consumed as is. Recipes abound to make more use of the fruit. Papaya can be used as an addition to chutney or salsa. It can be stuffed with shrimp and baked. When used in smoothies, ice creams and pies, it adds tropical flavor to dessert offerings. There are many Mexican and South American dishes including the papaya, since it proliferates in these regions and is frequently a daily part of meals.

Share
DelightedCooking is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Tricia Christensen
By Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a DelightedCooking contributor, Tricia Christensen is based in Northern California and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her writing. Her wide-ranging interests include reading, writing, medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion, all of which she incorporates into her informative articles. Tricia is currently working on her first novel.
Discussion Comments
By anon956034 — On Jun 11, 2014

thanks very useful for my school project post more :)

By anon109107 — On Sep 05, 2010

thanks! it's very useful in my investigatory project.

By anon87860 — On Jun 01, 2010

Thank you for the comprehensive summary on the fruit and the news that the seeds are edible.

By anon41482 — On Aug 15, 2009

Can I use some of this article for a school project? I am doing a report on papayas and some of the information in this article is very useful!

By leilani — On May 19, 2008

This tropical fruit is rich in Vitamins A and C. Mix some in your fruit salad it will help keep your skin youthful looking.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a DelightedCooking contributor, Tricia...
Learn more
Share
https://www.delightedcooking.com/what-is-a-papaya.htm
Copy this link
DelightedCooking, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

DelightedCooking, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.