Papaya
By: Anonymous

About

A tender fruit which grows in tropical areas of the world. The outer skin is usually green and the soft flesh is pinkish red or orange in color. The middle of the fruit contains tiny black seeds.
Papaya or Pawpaw has a sweet taste and when young contains a valuable enzyme known as papain which stimulates digestion, treats burns and helps to prevent worms. It is also useful in tenderizing meat.

Information
Other names: green papaya, Pawpaw
Translations: Papaija, Papaja, Papaja, Đu đủ, Papaja, Papaja, पपीता, Mamão, Папайя, Παπάγια, بابايا, 파파야, Papája, Pepaya, 木瓜, Papaja, Papája, Papaia, פפאיה, Папаја, パパイヤ, Papaye, Папайя, Papaija, Папая


Physical Description
The Papaya fruit is round to pear shaped in size. The ones in the market are around six or seven inches in length but they can grow longer than that. They are very dense and can weigh at around 2 to 20 pounds. Unripe Papayas have green skin and white flesh, and ripe papayas have yellow skin and red orange flesh.
Colors: light orange to yellow


Tasting Notes
Flavors: sweet
Mouthfeel: Soft, Juicy
Food complements: Lime, Salt, Chile, Seafood
Wine complements: White wine, Late harvest reisling, Reisling, Viognier
Beverage complements: Limeade, Tequila, Sangria
Substitutes: Dried papaya, Mango, Pineapple


Selecting and Buying
Seasonality: january, february, march, november, december
Peak: january, february, march, november, december
Choosing: When selecting ripe papayas you would like to eat at once. Choose one with a reddish-orange skin, and are a little soft to the touch. Yellow skinned papayas will still take a few days to ripen, and green papayas are only used for cooking, and will not develop the same sweetness as the ripe papayas. Always check for bruises on the skin or are too soft.
Buying: Papayas are available during summer and fall but one can usually buy them throughout the year


Preparation and Use
Ripe papayas can be eaten as is. One can also cut them in slices and add to a fruit salad or eat with a spoon. 
Cleaning: Thoroughly, but gently, wash the outer skin before slicing the fruit and scooping out the seeds.


Conserving and Storing
Ripe Papayas should be stored in the fridge and must be consumed within 1-2days of purchase.


Social/Political
Papaya was called the "Fruit of the Angels" by Christopher Columbus.
History: Papayas are native to Central America. Spanish and Portuguese explorers have brought this fruit to India, the Philippines and Africa.