🥕 Papaya
Carica papaya
What it is
A large tropical fruit with sweet orange flesh and round black seeds in the middle.
How it looks
Shaped like a big pear, with green-to-yellow skin and bright orange flesh inside.
Taste
Soft, sweet, and juicy, a little like a mix of melon and mango.
Why it is healthy
Rich in vitamin C and vitamin A that help your body fight germs and keep your eyes sharp.
How to eat it
Scoop out the seeds and eat the soft flesh with a spoon, or blend it into a smoothie.
How it grows
Grows on tall, slender plants in warm tropical places, all year round.
In season
Available all year in warm tropical regions.
History
Papayas first grew in Central America and were shared around the warm parts of the world.
Fun fact
A papaya plant can grow tall and give fruit within just one year of planting.
Try this
A ripe papaya feels a little soft and smells sweet near the stem end.