You may have a wedding, graduation or vacation penciled in on your calendar for the month of June. Now there’s another fun occasion to celebrate: it’s National Papaya Month!
Papayas are delicious melon-like fruits that have been enjoyed by Americans since Christopher Columbus dubbed them the “fruit of the angels” back in the 15th century. Pear shaped, with yellow skin and orange, buttery flesh, papayas grow on a large herb plant that’s often mistaken for a tree. They thrive in tropical or subtropical temperatures, with Hawaii, Mexico and Puerto Rico being the largest commercial producers of the fruit today.
Nutritionally, papayas are rich in vitamins A, C and E and potassium, calcium and iron. Their antioxidant content may be the reason for papayas’ protective health benefits, which include supporting a normal inflammatory response in the body. Papayas also contain papain, an enzyme that helps break down protein in the diet, promoting healthy digestion.
To eat a papaya, simply slice it in half and scoop out the seeds. Remove the peel and cut it into slices or cubes, or use a melon baller or spoon to scoop out the fruit. To enhance the flavor, sprinkle on a little lemon or lime juice before eating.
Here are more ways to enjoy papaya fruit:
- Make a papaya smoothie. Blend together fruit, ice, milk (or soymilk) and sweetener of choice.
- Add papaya cubes to salads (including chicken, tuna or shrimp salads).
- Make a fruit salad with chunks of papaya and other seasonal fruits.
- Make papaya salsa with papaya cubes; diced red, green and yellow peppers; chopped cilantro; olive oil; and lime juice.
- Insert popsicle sticks into papaya slices and freeze.
- Use a dehydrator to dry papaya.
- Mash papaya and use as soothing facial mask.
- Combine papaya, coconut milk and honey for a deep hair conditioner.
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