Papaya - Fruit Of The Angels

More About Papaya

• Papayas are spherical or pear-shaped fruits that can be as long as 20 inches. The ones commonly found in the market usually average about 7 inches and weigh about one pound.
• Their flesh is a rich orange color with either yellow or pink hues.
• Inside the inner cavity of the fruit are black, round seeds encased in a gelatinous-like substance. Papaya seeds are edible, although their peppery flavor is somewhat bitter.
• The fruit, as well as the other parts of the papaya tree, contain papain, an enzyme that helps digest proteins. This enzyme is especially concentrated in the fruit when it is unripe.
• Papain is extracted to make digestive enzyme dietary supplements and is also used as an ingredient in some chewing gums.

This chart graphically details the %DV that a serving of papaya provides for each of the nutrients of which it is a good, very good, or excellent source according to our Food Rating System. Additional information about the amount of these nutrients provided by Papaya can be found in the Food Rating System Chart. 

Comparative Nutritional Analysis

Marvel at the superior nutrients found in Papaya and its sister super fruit Graviola Source: http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/

Health Benefits

• Papayas offer not only the luscious taste and sunlit color of the tropics, but they also have a variety of nutrients in them. 
• Together, these nutrients promote a healthy life and help fight free radicals. In addition, papaya contains the digestive enzyme, papain, which is similar to bromelain, a digestive enzyme found in pineapple.
• Papayas aid in converting a substance called homocysteine into benign amino acids such as cysteine or methionine. If unconverted, homocysteine may directly damage blood vessel walls.

Immune Support

Papayas boost daily immunity through their variety of nutrients. 

History

Papayas, native to Central America, have been long revered by the Latin American Indians. Spanish and Portuguese explorers brought papayas to many other subtropical lands to which they journeyed including India, the Philippines, and parts of Africa.

This revered tropical fruit was reputably called "the fruit of the angels" by Christopher Columbus. In the 20th century, papayas were brought to the United States and have been cultivated in Hawaii, the major U.S. producer since the 1920s. Today, the largest commercial producers of papayas include the United States, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

For the Most Nutrients, Eat Papaya Fully Ripened

Research conducted at the University of Innsbruck in Austria suggests that as fruits fully ripen, almost to the point of spoilage, their nutrient levels actually increase.

Key to the process is the change in color that occurs as fruits ripen, a similar process to that seen in the fall when leaves turn from green to red to yellow to brown. This color change is caused by the breakdown and disappearance of chlorophyll, which gives leaves and fruits their green color..

Tips for Preparing and Cooking

• Papayas can be used many different ways. They can be eaten as is, added to a fruit salad or to a host of different recipes.

• One of the easiest (and most delightful) ways to eat papaya is to eat it just like a melon. After washing the fruit, cut it lengthwise, scoop out the seeds and then eat it with a spoon. For a little extra zest, you can squeeze lemon or lime juice on top.

• To cut papaya into smaller pieces for fruit salad or recipes, first peel it with a paring knife and then cut into desire size and shape. You can also use a melon baller to scoop out the fruit of a halved papaya. If you are adding it to a fruit salad, you should do so just before serving as it tends to cause the other fruits to become very soft.

• While most people discard the big black seeds, they are actually edible and have a delightful peppery flavor. They can be chewed whole or blended into a creamy salad dressing, giving it a peppery flavor.

How to Enjoy

A Few Quick Serving Ideas

• Mix diced papaya, cilantro, jalapeno peppers and ginger together to make a unique salsa that goes great with shrimp, scallops and halibut.
• Sprinkle papaya with fresh lime juice and enjoy as is.
• Slice a small papaya lengthwise and fill with fruit salad.
• In a blender, combine papaya, strawberries and yogurt for a cold soup treat.

Papayas and Latex Allergy

Like avocados and bananas, papayas contain substances called chitinases that are associated with the latex-fruit allergy syndrome. There is strong evidence of the cross-reaction between latex and these foods. If you have a latex allergy, you may very likely be allergic to these foods as well. Processing the fruit with ethylene gas increases these enzymes; organic produce not treated with gas will have fewer allergy-causing compounds. In addition, cooking the food may deactivate the enzymes.

In-Depth Nutritional Profile for Papaya