ABOUT PAPAYA

The papaya is the fruit of the plant Carica papaya. It has its origins in Mexico several centuries ago and is native to the Central American region. It is also commonly known as the "paw paw". The fruit is ripe when its skin colour has turned an orange colour and feels soft.

The fruit can only be eaten raw when it is ripe otherwise fruit which has not yet ripened needs to be cooked. The black seeds are also edible and have a spicy taste. The young leaves of papaya are also edible when steamed and are also sometimes used to make tea. Fermented papaya is a natural health food already available commercially in some parts of Asia. It is known to have high levels of antioxidants which protect the body against free radicals. Free radicals are related to aging and degenerative diseases such as cancer, diabetes and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Studies have also shown it can help the immune system and for the treatment of certain ailments.