Papaya

Selection Information

Usage: Eaten fresh, in fruit salads, as a garnish or dessert.

Selection: Good-quality papayas will be fairly large, 1/2 yellow or more and slightly soft when ripe.

Avoid: Avoid product that is too soft or has scars or blemishes. Papayas with no yellow will ripen if left at room temperature for a few days.

Seasonal Information

Available year-round.

Papaya Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 140g
Amount Per Serving
Calories 55	Calories from Fat 2
	% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0.5g	1%
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 14g	5%
Dietary Fiber 3g	10%
Sugars 8g
Protein 1g
Vitamin A 31%	Vitamin C 144%
Calcium 3%	Iron 1%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Source: PMA's Labeling Facts

Papayas are very low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium. They're also a good source of Dietary Fiber and Potassium, and a very good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Folate.

Papaya Tips & Trivia

Papayas that are one-quarter to one-half ripe should keep for one to two weeks.
Ripen papayas at room temperature and never store a papaya that is less than half ripe in the refrigerator. Cooler temperatures permanently shut off the ripening process.
This tree fruit is a berry to the botanist.
Papaya has been cultivated by Indians from the Caribbean down through much of South America since long before Columbus arrived in the New World.