The Papaya
Papaya is a fruit which originates from Central America and is currently cultivated in various tropical and subtropical regions. Known by various names, papaya in Mexico, bomb-fruit in Cuba, mamão in Brazil, it is found the whole year-round. The papaya tree belongs to the Caricaceae family and the fruit has different sizes, weight, flavor and color depending on the variety to which it belongs. The pulp, soft and aromatic, also vary in color, from pale yellow to red, through various tones from orange to salmon. The skin is generally thin, quite tough, stuck to the pulp, smooth, dark-green in color, which turns yellowish or orangey as the fruit ripens. The shape of the papaya varies according to the species. The Bahia Papaya is elongated like a big pear. The lndian Papaya has ridges along its sides.
When ripe and consumed raw, the papaya is an excellent food source, as the pulp is very rich in nutrients: it contains large quantities of mineral salts (calcium, phosphorous, iron, sodium and potassium) and vitamins A and C. ln addition to this, it also contains papain, a proteolytic enzyme important for the healthy functioning of the digestive system. In homemade cosmetic treatments, the pulp of the papaya is used to moisturize and soothe the skin. It unclogs pores and removes excess sebum from the skin that may be making it oily and prone to acne. Papaya can be also used to treat sunburns to soothe irritated skin. Papaya is also used in traditional medicine to even the skin tone by reducing dark spots and blemishes on the skin.