Papaya is a tropical tree that grows in Africa, Asia, and South America. Often called “melon tree”, and in Australia, dad or paws. Papaya fruit of Carica Papaya. There are two known varieties – Mexican and Hawaiian. Here is a shortlist of curious tropical fruit facts.
- Mexican papaya weighs up to 10 kg, while Hawaiian papaya weighs about 1 kg.
- Only in Hawaii is papaya grown for the trade.
- Papaya is the first genetically modified fruit in the United States.
- Unripe papayas act as natural contraception and can cause miscarriage.
- Papaya tea is used as a defense against malaria.
- The seeds of the fruit resemble black pepper and are edible. They can be peeled and used as a substitute for black pepper.
- The bark of the papaya tree is often used for rope.
- Papaya contains latex (the white juice that comes out of unripe papaya), which can cause an allergic reaction in people with latex allergies.
- If you eat too much, papaya (like carrots) can lead to carotenemia – yellowing of the feet and palms.
- A small papaya contains about 300% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C.
