PapayaPosted 10 years ago under Uncategorized

Papayas are mainly known for being a rich source of digestive enzymes in the seeds. (1) They are a delicious tropical treat that provide a number of health benefits. It has been shown to be effective against diabetes and can help stop clotting in people’s feet which is useful for those who are extremely sedentary. (2)

Taxonomy

Papayas grow on the Carica papaya plant.

Kingdom (Plantae) > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Rosids > Order (Brassicales) > Family (Caricaceae) > Genus (Carica) –> Species (Carica papaya)

Description

The papaya plant grows to 30 feet high and the stem is hollow. The leaves are 20-28 inches in diameter and lobed. The flowers have white to yellow-orange colored petals that are up to 2 inches long. Depending on the variety, the fruit can be pear or round shaped and can weigh up to 20 pounds. The fruit contains many seeds inside flesh that ranges from yellow to reddish-orange in color and is sweet in flavor. (3)

Distribution

The papaya comes from Central America but it grows around the world now in subtropical areas. Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the United States are the largest producers in the world. (4) Papayas need well-drained soil and do not tolerate wet conditions. (5)

Nutritional Information

Papayas are a rich source of nutrition. They are high in vitamin C, B vitamins, fiber, vitamin A, magnesium, potassium, and copper. (6) Their seeds are a great source of enzymes. (7) They are known to have anti-inflammatory properties and promote digestive health. They also help protect the body against rheumatoid arthritis and macular degeneration. (8)

Commercial Cultivation

Papayas are a fast-growing plant and so only take eight to ten months to produce fruit. If they’re grown in a hot climate take less time to grow. (9) They can be harvested year-round and are ready when yellow starts to show on the fruit some. (10)

Diseases, Pests, Predators

Papaya are subject to a number of diseases and pests. Common diseases include powdery mildew, black or chocolate spot, wet rot, dry rot, watery fruit rot, and stem-end rot. Common pests include stevens leafhopper, mediterranean fruit fly, melon fly, oriental fly, and mites. (11)

Sources:

(1) http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com/enzymes-and-health/
(2) http://www.naturalnews.com/040296_papaya_seeds_disease_prevention.html
(3) http://www.extento.hawaii.edu/kbase/crop/crops/i_papa.htm
(4) http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=47#historyuse
(5) http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/papaya/growing-papaya-fruit.htm
(6) http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=47#historyuse
(7) http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com/enzymes-and-health/
(8) http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=47#historyuse
(9) http://homeguides.sfgate.com/months-papaya-trees-ready-picking-63902.html
(10) http://www.extento.hawaii.edu/kbase/crop/crops/i_papa.htm
(11) http://www.extento.hawaii.edu/kbase/crop/crops/i_papa.htm