Yay Papaya! If I had the option I would it this extraordinary fruit every day.
I was obsessed with this papaya fruit during my stay in Sri Lanka. I could have it as a meal for breakfast, lunch, dinner, supper and as a snack in between. I loved it in any form and shape as fruit, juice, smoothies and dry fruits. (a healthy form of it of course, without adding sugar)
The scientific name of a Papaya fruit is Carica Papaya. It tastes really sweet. and they have this really soft texture that many people like me find really appealing. Papaya seeds are also edible but they taste quite bitter than the fruit itself.
Papayas are originally from Central America. These fruits grow best in regions with abundant rain-fall.
The most common type of papaya in Sri Lanka is known as Red Lady. (Ratna in Singhalese). It is very sweet and soft and its thick creamy texture just melts in your mouth. It is available throughout the year.
You can find papaya fruits everywhere in local markets, supermarkets and street stalls.
When you choose papaya to buy make sure that its skin colour developed to yellow with a tinge of orange and soft to touch, then you know it’s fully ripened.
You can also find green papaya and it’s mainly used in cooking such as curries and stews as well as in marinating and making pickles.
Did you know that the stem and bark of papaya may be used in rope production?
Health Benefits of Papaya
Papaya is loaded with antioxidants and enzymes and extremely beneficial for our health. Papaya contains Lycopene it is an antioxidant that reduces the risk of developing cancers in many organs and retards the growth of the tumours.
Here are the main health benefits according to WebMD:
- Protection Against Heart Disease
- Rich in Antioxidants – Vitamins A, C and E
- High Amount of Fibre
- Rich in Folic Acid
Reasons to eat Papaya Fruit according to E Times:
- Improves Eye Health
- Aids Digestion
- Anti Ageing
- Boosts Immunity
- Helps in Weight Loss
- Better Kidney Health
- Better Cardiovascular Health
If you want to know more about the Sapodilla Fruit in Sri Lanka, click here.
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19468947 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25526570 http://www.sundaytimes.lk/170219/mediscene/the-power-of-papaya-228942.html
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