Health benefits

Next to Mangos, Papayas are one of the most popular tropical fruits in the United States &ndash and they are available year-round. Their mild yet sweet flavor and smooth juicy texture might be described as a tropical peachy melon! Papayas also have some excellent health benefits:

• Papayas are rich in a natural enzyme called Papain (pronounced "Popeye-in") that actually aids digestion by helping to break down protein.
• Half of a Papaya contains more vitamin C than an entire orange.
• They are also a source of vitamin A, which is not commonly found in fruits.
• A 1-cup serving of Papaya is only 60 calories.

Selection & Preparation

Here are a few easy tips to keep in mind when you're shopping for Papayas:

Types of Papayas: Depending on the variety, the internal flesh color ranges from yellow, gold to pink to orange to bright red. There are two main types of papayas:

• Large-football-shaped varieties, are known as miradol/maradol, Mexican or Caribbean Red Papaya (range from 3 to 5 pounds). The larger papayas tend to be mellower and slightly earthy flavored.
• Smaller Papayas are more pear-shaped (about 1 pound) and tend to be more sweet and intense flavored. These smaller Papayas are sometimes called Solo, Hawaiian, Sunrise, Kapoho Solo, depending on the specific variety.

How to Ripen:
When you buy a papaya at the store, the skin may be green or yellow or a combination. When a papaya is ripe, it will be about 75% yellow and will give to gentle pressure.

To continue ripening, leave it at room temperature. If the fruit is already fully ripe, you can put it in the fridge to completely stop the ripening process. (Tip: don't refrigerate unripe fruit, as this will prevent it from ripening.)

How to Enjoy:
When ripe and ready to eat, wash it and cut it lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds. Enjoy the delicious meat by scooping it out with a spoon. Or, peel, and slice into small chunks and add to a fruit salsa to pair with white fish. Enhance the flavor of Papaya with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and perhaps a sprinkle of chili powder.

Try these delicious recipes:

Tropical Crepes

Papaya Mango Salsa

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