Papaya

Papaya
Carica papaya L.
Family Caricaceae

Papaya Description

Papaya is an evergreen tree or shrub, 5–10 m tall, with a straight trunk and palmate leaves (50–70 cm) on long petioles. The flowers are small, yellowish-white, 1–2 cm, unisexual or bisexual, gathered in inflorescences. The fruits are berries, 10–30 cm, green (unripe) or orange-yellow (ripe), with juicy pulp and many black seeds (2–3 mm). Varieties: 'Solo', 'Maradol', 'Tainung', 'Red Lady', 'Waimanalo'. Flowering is year-round in the tropics, fruiting occurs 4–6 months after flowering.

Papaya Habitat and Ecology

The homeland of papaya is Central and South America. It grows in tropical and subtropical regions (Asia, Africa, Oceania), up to 1000 m above sea level. It is cultivated in India, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, and in southern Russia (Krasnodar Krai). It prefers loose, well-drained soils (pH 6.0–7.0), sunny areas, watering 20–30 liters per tree every 7–10 days. It propagates by seeds, cuttings. Yield: 30–50 kg per tree. Care: pruning, potassium fertilization (15–20 g/m²), protection against aphids, spider mites. It is used in landscaping as an ornamental plant.

Papaya Raw Materials

Raw materials: fruits (fructus Caricae papaya), leaves (folia Caricae papaya), seeds (semina Caricae papaya). Fruits are harvested ripe or green, dried at 40–50 °C (yield 10–15%). Leaves are harvested year-round, dried at 40 °C (yield 15–20%). Seeds are dried at 30–40 °C (yield 20–25%). Quality: fruits – orange or green, free of mold; leaves – green; seeds – black; moisture ≤12%. Store in airtight containers (fruits: 6 months; leaves: 1 year; seeds: 1 year). The smell is sweet (fruits), neutral (leaves, seeds), taste is sweet (ripe fruits) or neutral (green).

Papaya Chemical Composition

Fruits: water (88%), sugars (up to 10%), organic acids (citric, up to 0.5%), pectins (up to 1%), vitamin C (up to 60 mg%), A, E, B1, B2, papain (enzyme), flavonoids, minerals (K, Ca, Mg). Leaves: alkaloids (carpaine), flavonoids, tannins (up to 2%). Seeds: glucosinolates, fatty oils (up to 25%). Fruit caloric content: 40–50 kcal/100 g (fresh), 250–300 kcal/100 g (dried).

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Papaya Action and Application

Papaya has digestive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunostimulating, and wound-healing properties. It is used for gastritis, constipation, parasitic infections, anemia, and skin diseases (eczema, acne). The fruits improve digestion, boost immunity, and lower cholesterol. Leaves help with inflammation and burns. Seeds are effective against worms and for detoxification. Papain in the fruits aids protein breakdown and wound healing.

Papaya Application Precautions

Consumption of >500 g/day of fresh fruits or >100 g/day of dried fruits may cause diarrhea, allergic reactions. Store juice at 0–5 °C for no longer than 24 hours. For children under 3 years, give ≤50 g/day of fruits. Unripe fruits and leaf juice can be toxic (due to alkaloids). Avoid using leaves on sensitive skin (possible burn). Long-term use of seeds (>10 g/day) requires medical supervision. Wash fruits thoroughly due to pesticides.

Papaya Application Contraindications

Allergy to Caricaceae, exacerbation of stomach ulcer, gastritis with high acidity, pregnancy (unripe fruits), lactation, age under 3 years.

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Papaya Recipes

1. Fruit Juice for Gastritis. Press 100 g of ripe pulp, dilute with 50 ml of water, drink 50 ml twice a day for 7 days.
   
2. Leaf Infusion for Burns. Pour 200 ml of boiling water over 10 g of leaves, infuse for 20 min, apply compresses for 15 min, twice a day for 5 days.
   
3. Seeds Against Parasites. Grind 5 g of dried seeds, mix with 10 ml of honey, take once a day for 5 days.
   
4. Fruit Decoction for Constipation. Boil 50 g of dried fruits in 200 ml of water for 15 min, drink 50 ml twice a day for 5 days.
   
5. Papaya Seed Dressing. Grind 1 tablespoon of fresh papaya seeds with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, a pinch of salt, and a squeeze of lime juice. Use as a healthy salad dressing.
6. Papaya Leaf Tea for Digestion. Steep 5-6 fresh papaya leaves (or 1-2 dried) in 1 liter of hot water for 10-15 minutes. Strain and drink a cup after meals to aid digestion.

Papaya Cosmetics

Papaya is used for skin care.

1. Rejuvenating Mask. 20 g of fruit pulp, 10 ml of honey, apply for 15 min, rinse, twice a week.
   
2. Face Scrub. 20 g of pulp, 10 g of sugar, apply with massaging movements for 5 min, rinse, once a week.
   
3. Moisturizing Mask. 20 g of pulp, 10 ml of yogurt, apply for 20 min, rinse, twice a week.
   
4. Lotion for Acne. 20 ml of fruit juice, 10 ml of water, wipe the skin, once a day.
   
5. Brightening Face Pack. Mix 2 tablespoons of mashed papaya pulp with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and a pinch of turmeric powder. Apply to face for 15 minutes, then rinse. Use twice a week for brighter skin.
6. Hair Conditioner for Dry Hair. Blend papaya pulp with a tablespoon of coconut oil. Apply to hair and scalp, leave for 20 minutes, then shampoo and rinse.

Papaya Culinary Uses

Fruits are used fresh, dried, in desserts, salads.

1. Smoothie. 200 g of fruit pulp, 100 ml of yogurt, 10 g of honey, blend.
   
2. Salad. 100 g of pulp, 50 g of cheese, 20 g of nuts, dress with 10 ml of olive oil.
   
3. Compote. 200 g of fresh fruits, 1 liter of water, 50 g of sugar, boil for 15 min.
   
4. Dessert. 100 g of pulp, 50 ml of coconut milk, 10 g of sugar, chill for 1 hour.
   
5. Spicy Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum). Shred unripe green papaya. Mix with chopped peanuts, green beans, cherry tomatoes, and a dressing made from lime juice, fish sauce, chili, and palm sugar.
6. Papaya Salsa. Dice ripe papaya, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Mix with lime juice and a pinch of salt. Serve with grilled fish or chicken, or as a dip with tortilla chips.
7. Papaya Boat with Yogurt and Granola. Halve a ripe papaya, scoop out seeds. Fill the cavity with Greek yogurt and top with granola, fresh berries, and a drizzle of honey.
8. Grilled Papaya. Slice ripe papaya, brush with a little olive oil, and grill for a few minutes per side until slightly caramelized. Serve as a side dish or dessert.

Tips: Store fresh fruits at 0–5 °C for up to 2 weeks, dried – up to 6 months. Remove seeds before cooking.

Other properties of papaya

Used in ornamental landscaping, as a honey plant.