Dolele

Papaya


One-half of a papaya (140g) provides nearly 150 percent of vitamin C needs, plus is an excellent source of vitamin A, and a good source of fiber, folate and potassium, all for a mere 55 calories. The unique combination of high vitamin A and C make papaya a Superfood for your skin. No wonder research comparing 40 different fruits for the Dietary Recommended Intake (DRI) of nine vitamins plus potassium and fiber rated papayas first. Papayas are also a top source of beta-cryptoxanthin, an antioxidant carotenoid that research shows may reduce the risk of lung cancer. Papaya also supplies papain, an enzyme that promotes digestion.

How to Store

Papayas ripen in three to five days at room temperature and then can be stored in the refrigerator for a week. Unripe fruits should not be refrigerated.

Usage Tips

Papaya is usually eaten raw, but green papays requires cooking.

How to Select

Papaya should still exhibit some green in the market. When ripe, papayas have yellow skin and firm, sweet flesh that ranges from yellow-orange to pink.