Papayas - Health Benefits - Facts - How to Grow

Also known botanically as Carica papaya, this well-known fruit is native to South America and is currently grown in several regions with tropical and sub-tropical climates.

Its names vary depending on the geographical region, being called, for example, tree melon in Brazil or Paw Paw in certain American zones.

Papaya trees are truly astonishing, growing up to 10 meters in height, with a single, slender stem, and sprouting a set of leaves and fruits in the top part of the plant.

Papaya leaves are also large, measuring on average 62cm in diameter.

Papaya plants come in three genders: male, female and bisexual, and their flowers are different, with male flowers being made by several small blooms, while females have one big bloom.

A sliced papaya: a powerhouse of Vitamins A,C and E

Fruits usually weigh from one to twenty pounds, measuring 20-40cm in length, and about 12-32cm in width.

Papaya trees are relatively easy to grow, especially in tropical climates, and while they require lots of fertilizing and water, fruits contain so many seeds it's usually possible to grow an entire cultivation from just one single papaya.

These wonderful fruits are praised by nutritionists for the high content in different kinds of vitamins, both hydrosoluble and liposoluble, such as vitamin A, C and E.

Papayas also contain several carotenoids, flavonoids, folates and trace minerals that react synergistically to provide DNA-protecting effects, which are directly linked to decreased risks of developing cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

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