Papaya

Guide Note

The papaya, native to Central and South America, is a pear-shaped fruit containing a buttery orange flesh with either yellow or pink hues. Inside the inner cavity are black, round seeds encased in a gelatinous-like substance. The seeds are edible, but slightly bitter.

Fast Facts

1. Scientific name: Carica papaya
2. Alternate names: Fruta bomba, Lechosa, Papaw, Tree melon
3. Rich in an enzyme called papain which aids digestion

The papaya provides numerous health benefits when it is both ripe or unripe. The fruit is used to treat high blood pressure, ringworm and skin sores. The seeds are used for stomach aches, fungal infections, and pain relief. The leaves and roots are used as an analgesic.

1. Bengali: PenPe
2. Chinese: mugua
3. Ewe: pawpo
4. Filipino: kapaya
5. Portuguese - mamão
6. Sinhala - papol', guslabu
7. Spanish: fruta bomba, lechoza
8. Sri Lankan English - papaw
9. Thai: malakau
10. Vietnamese - du du