Description
Papaya fruits are large, oval-shaped, and can weigh between 1 to 20 pounds. They have a green skin that turns yellow or orange when ripe. The flesh inside is usually a vibrant orange when ripe. The flesh inside is usually vibrant orange or pinkish color, with a sweet, musky flavor and a soft, buttery texture. The center of the fruit contains numerous small, black seeds encased in a gelatinous coating. Papayas are not delicious but also packed with nutrients. They are an excellent source of vitamins C and A, folate, and dietary fiber. The fruit also contains an enzyme called papain, which aids in digestion and often used as a meat tenderizer. In addition to its culinary uses, the papaya plant has various medicinal applications. The leaves, seeds, and latex of the plant have been used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, form digestive to skin conditions.