The plant is a giant herbaceous and dicotyledonous with a soft-wooled hollow stem. Usually has a simple trunk but branching is easily induced by injury at the top. The tree has leaves that are arranged in a spiral fashion at the top of the trunk
Papaya origins are rather uncertain, but there is some agreement among botanists that but originated in the lowlands of Central America between southern Mexico and Nicaragua. Papaya was an important fruit to the Mayans and its tree was called the ‘Tree of Life’.
As fresh fruit, papayas are most commonly eaten in breakfast. After lunch or dinner papayas are served as dessert. They can be served alone or in combination with other fruits in fruit salads.
The sub-products from processed pays include juice, syrup, nectar, slices marmalades, jams, chutney etc. The green fruits are used in making pickles, sauces, conserves.
The fruit is not only extremely delicious but has several medicinal, nutritional and digestive uses that have sparked the interest of many researchers and drug companies.
Fruit of papaya
