This tropical fruit was once called the "fruit of the angels" by Christopher Columbus. Although originally from southern Mexico, Central America and Northern South America, Papaya is now cultivated in most tropical countries.

The papaya fruit is a spherical or pear-shaped fruits that can be as long as 20 inches. The flesh is a rich orange colour when ripe. When cut open, you will find the inner cavity of the fruit filled with black, round seeds encased in a gelatinous-like substance. Papaya's seeds are edible, although somewhat bitter.

Papayas can be used as a food, made into drinks,  and used in medicine. The stem and bark can also be used in rope production.

Health Benefits:

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 supplements and is also used as an ingredient in some chewing gums.

Papayas offer a rich source of antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, vitamin C and flavonoids. It is a very good source of folate and potassium. In addition, it is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin E, vitamin A and vitamin K. For more nutrional benfits, you can visit the website: www.whfoods.com

How to choose & store:

Ripe papayas have reddish-orange skin and are slightly soft to the touch. Those that have patches of yellow colour will take a few more days to ripen. Avoid those that are bruised or overly soft.

Papayas that are partially yellow should be left at room temperature where they will ripen in a few days. If you want to speed this process, place them in a paper bag with a banana. Ripe papayas should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within one or two days.

Papayas that are totally green or overly hard should not be purchased, unless you are planning on cooking them, or unless you want to use green papayas in a cold dish like an Asian salad.

How to enjoy:

You can enjoy eating papaya as you would a melon (cut it, discard the seed and eat the orange coloured flesh). You can also cut it into pieces and add it to a fruit salad or make it into a drink. Since papaya is readily available in Guyana, it is eaten as a fruit, made into chutney and the green papaya is cooked with curry powder and coconut cream/ milk, to make a delicious curry dish.