Country of Origin: Brazil 🇧🇷Class / Cat: 1 Introduction Papaya (Carica papaya) is a tropical fruit with orange-colored flesh which is grown in exotic and tropical regions of the world. 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 sweet 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 it is ripe, it is soft like avocado and has a creamy, 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. Calories per 100 g 43 kcal Fat 0.3 g Carbohydrate 11 g Fiber 1.7 g Protein 0.5 g Sodium 8 mg Calcium 20 mg Iron 0.25 mg Potassium 182 mg
