Papaya
Scientific Binomial Name: Carica papaya
Selection Information
Usage:
Eaten fresh without skin or seeds, 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.
Storage:
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. Papayas that are one-quarter to one-half ripe should keep for one to two weeks.
Seasonal Information
Available year-round.
Papaya Nutritional Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 140g
Amount Per Serving
% Daily Value*
*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
Papaya is very low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium. It's also a good source of Dietary Fiber and Potassium, and a great source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Folate.
Papaya Tips & Trivia
- This tree fruit is a berry to the botanist.
- Rich in an enzyme called papain, Papaya is a natural meat tenderizer.
- Papaya is sold in pill form to remedy digestive problems.
- Papaya has been cultivated by Indians from the Caribbean down through much of South America since long before Columbus arrived in the New World.