Papaya Formosa
The papaya formosa is not only one of the largest papayas in the world, but it is also a highly versatile fruit with a range of uses.
A papaya formosa can weigh anywhere from 1-3 kilograms.
This variety of papaya has a distinctive yellow-green skin and orange flesh, which is often complemented by black seeds that can be dried and used as a pepper substitute in cooking.
For those who enjoy the scent of a sweet fruit, the papaya formosa is a great choice.
The riper the fruit, the more aromatic it becomes, making it a popular ingredient in many tropical drinks and dishes.
While this tropical fruit can be processed into juices and canned fruit, nothing quite compares to the taste of a fresh papaya formosa.
Papaya is an excellent source of nutrients, including potassium, calcium, and phosphorus, as well as provitamin A and vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B11, C, and E.
In fact, papaya is considered a superfood due to its high nutrient content and various health benefits.
Origin
The papaya is truly an interesting fruit. Did you know that the papaya plant can grow as tall as a tree?
It’s no wonder that it is also referred to as the melon tree.
The fruit itself starts off green and then transforms into a beautiful yellow, orange, or red color.
Its origin can be traced back to South America, specifically Mexico and surrounding areas, but it has now spread to other parts of the world.
In fact, the papaya is now widely grown in Asia, South and Central America, which has led to a variety of different cultivars and hybrids.
Taste
The tropical fruit is known for its orange-colored flesh that is packed with black seeds.
The fruit has a juicy and sweet flavor that is often compared to that of a melon.
Papaya is a versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in various ways.
It adds a delicious twist to a fruit salad, can be used as a dessert topping, blended into a smoothie, or eaten on its own as a tasty snack.
When it comes to enjoying papaya, the easiest way is to cut it in half.
Cutting the fruit in half allows you to remove the black seeds with a spoon.
Once the seeds are removed, you can scoop out both halves of the fruit, or you can cut the fruit in half again to extract the flesh more easily.
Papaya is a nutritious and delicious fruit, making it a great addition to any diet.
Store
When it comes to keeping ripe papaya, there are a few things to keep in mind.
For storing a ripe papaya, a cool place is ideal. It’s important to note that the temperature should not be too cool.
Otherwise, you risk slowing down the ripening process, which could lead to the fruit losing some of its flavor and nutrients.
When it comes to determining whether a papaya formosa is ripe, you can look for some key visual cues.
The skin should be turning yellow and the fruit should yield slightly when you press it gently.
Benefits
Rich in antioxidants
Healthy for your hair
Great for digestion health
Beneficial for your skin
Natural anti-inflammatory
Read the explanation of the health benefits here
