Papaya (Carica papaya)

Other names: papaya, melon tree, papaya, papayo, mamón, papaya melon, costella, fruta bomba, harilik papaia, lechosa, kustila

Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)

The papaya, also known by the names melon tree, papaya, papayo, mamón, papaya melon, costella, fruta bomba, harilik papaia or lechosa, is a tropical tree native to tropical Central America, particularly Mexico and the Central American region. It is a deciduous tree, can grow up to 5 to 10 metres high, its leaves are large and presentable and in the fruit season the papaya is a real spectacle. The fruit can weigh up to 10kg and is soft, sweet and aromatic. They ripen from green to bright orange. The fruit also contains small, black seeds.

The papaya is an important plant for cultural, medicinal and commercial purposes. Its fruit is usually eaten fresh as a fruit, but can also be used in salads, yoghurt or smoothies. The ripe papaya is the basis of many tropical jams and marmalades, and is included in fruit salads, desserts, smoothies and juices. The unripe fruit is used for example in the traditional Thai salad Som Tam. Papaya is also a source of raw materials for cosmetic products. Papaya leaves are used to produce teas and extracts used in medicine for their medicinal properties. Papaya seeds are used as a pepper substitute. It is therefore a very versatile plant that finds application in many fields.