Conclusion

The benefits of papaya are obvious. It can be consumed by almost everyone, given to children from two years old, especially if they eat poorly.
For us, this is still a curiosity, so you need to get to know each other gradually. If we are talking about children, it is imperative to consult a pediatrician.
Such exotic is worth a try to enrich yourself with new taste sensations to become healthier.

breadfruit, angel fruit, impatient gardener's tree, bomb fruit tropical papaya many names, and this is no coincidence. Noble taste, bright color and unique properties have long given papaya a well-deserved love on all continents, although in Russia they are still wary of it.

Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of the melon tree (that's what papaya is officially called) - look for this South American beauty in stores, bring back from vacations or just buy candied papaya. Overseas fruit slices will give you a piece of tropical sun and undeniable benefit body.

Indian fruit for the legendary conqueror

Papaya is native to Mexico and South America. Indians have long valued this fruit for its healing power, tree bark - as a material for ropes and ropes, and the leaves were used on the farm to wash clothes. Perhaps, the universal fruit would have remained exclusively the treasure of the American natives for a long time if Christopher Columbus had not set foot on the southern lands one day (although sometimes it seems that it would be better if herds of bison and happy Indians rushed in the place of the USA, instead of these impudent capitalists).

The captain and his team, after a harsh journey, had a merry feast, and when they began to suffer from overeating, compassionate Indians took them to the forest and fed them with papaya fruits to alleviate the fate of the northerners. Delighted in taste and healing effect melon tree, Columbus dubbed it "the fruit of the angels."

Papaya - palm or breadfruit?

Today, papaya is grown in South and Central America, Cuba, India, Indonesia - in many countries where it is warm and humid. If you search the network for a papaya tree, the photos will show a very unusual palm tree with a smooth trunk, spreading leaves at the top and fruits sticking out in different directions, similar to - green, yellow, orange ...

Exotic papaya resembles native melon culture not only in appearance, but also in taste - moreover, the aroma ripe fruits associated with many. However, the real transformation begins if the papaya is baked or fried - it exudes a warm smell. fresh bread, for which it was nicknamed the breadfruit tree.

Papaya grows very quickly and begins to bear fruit in the first year, although the life of the breadfruit tree is only a few years. For such activity light hand scientists began to call the fruit the tree of an impatient gardener: for each leaf of this wonderful palm tree there are 1-2 “melons”, and papaya breeds, like in a fairy tale. A seed fell on fertile tropical land - and soon a tree with fragrant fruits grew!

Doctor from South America

For a distant resemblance to an explosive device, papaya received another name - bomb-fruit. And it is true real bomb– but only vitamin!

Papaya is a unique fruit: medicine uses healing properties all its parts: fruits, seeds, bark, leaves... The papaya pulp contains an optimal set of vital vitamins and elements: C, groups B, A and D, calcium and potassium, magnesium and iron. Since ancient times, the "fruit of angels" has been valued for its antipyretic and antiviral effect, the ability to reduce and relieve inflammation.

And tropical melon is a universally recognized mood enhancer! And although pleasant aroma and sweet taste fruits alone are able to get rid of any blues; in southern countries, experts often recommend that patients eat papaya regularly for a month. As part of a treatment course for depression.

So, papaya beneficial features This fruit is largely known for its magical enzyme, papain. In its effect, the enzyme is similar to gastric juice - it breaks down proteins, speeds up digestion, removes constipation and relieves heaviness in the stomach. It was papain that at one time saved Columbus and his sailors from gluttony, but today, thanks to this substance, the melon tree treats gastritis and heartburn, neutralizes excess acid in the stomach and helps with liver problems.

Papaya also successfully removes toxins from the body, moreover, it is tasty and effective remedy treatment for worms, safe even for babies. And recent studies in Illinois have shown that papaya bark and pulp extract can be used quite successfully in complex therapy. oncological diseases.

Papaya for female beauty and health

Like many fruits, papaya is simply an indispensable product for fair half humanity. This fruit is recommended to eat in the period before menstruation - papaya not only relieves the symptoms of PMS, relieving irritability and mood swings, but also saturates female body iron, so necessary these days.

Despite the sweet taste, the fruits of the melon tree are traditionally used for weight loss. The calorie content of papaya is no more than 40 kcal per 100 grams, which allows you to include it in any diet.

And in case when fresh fruits I can’t find it, there is dried papaya - its beneficial properties are almost the same as those of fresh fruit. If in pursuit of perfect figure If you count every candy you eat, candied papaya will be your salvation: in combination with tea and coffee, this is a truly healing dessert.

Papaya is also valued in cosmetology - extracts from the colorful pulp treat skin diseases(eczema, fungus, acne) and burns, remove age spots and freckles from the face and neck, narrow pores and reduce swelling, increase the elasticity of female skin. The legendary papain actively slows down hair growth, so papaya is often included in hair removal products.

Who can harm papaya

The main contraindication for the use of papaya is individual intolerance. If this is your first time trying this exotic fruit, be careful - to check the reaction of the body, one slice of South American melon is enough.

In addition, unripe papaya is banned, such a fruit can easily harm. It is no coincidence that in ancient times the Indians mixed the juice of still green papaya into the food of their enemies so that they suffered from colic in the stomach. So always choose papaya carefully and make sure you are not allergic to angel fruit - then breadfruit will give you all its benefits. And do not quarrel with the Indians, who can mix unripe papaya juice into your food.

papaya in cooking

Fragrant papaya is actively used in cooking - it is used to make desserts, cocktails, ice cream, fruit and regular salads… The papain enzyme is excellent at softening tough meats, so papaya dishes with meat are an important part exotic cuisine. And if you go on vacation to one of the countries where papaya is grown, be sure to bring home large leaves of the "melon palm" - meat baked in such leaves takes on an unearthly taste.

A classic papaya recipe is Tom Sam salad, which should include several flavors: sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. Here is one of the Thai dishes:

You will need:

Papaya - 200-250 grams, small, - 2 pods, small tomato, - 1 tablespoon (in extreme cases - boiled), crushed in a blender - 2 tablespoons, chili peppers - 1 pc., A couple of cloves. For sauce: palm sugar - 2 tablespoons, - 2-3 tablespoons, lime juice - 3 tablespoons.

We crush the garlic and chili pepper in a mortar, add the beans, torn into pieces, liquid components, mix well to get a homogeneous sauce.

Three carrots and papaya on a roco grater or cut into thin long slices, add finely chopped tomato. Mix with sauce, put on a plate and sprinkle with peanuts.

How to choose and eat papaya

If you want to know what a papaya looks like, the photos will show a large oval or pear-shaped fruit. The peel can be green, yellow or reddish, inside there is a bright colored flesh and many black seeds that look like peppercorns.

A fresh papaya fruit should have a rich color "skin" without scratches and dark spots, slightly soft to the touch. The fruit may smell good, but too strong an aroma is a signal that the product has begun to ferment.

Another question that every lover has exotic fruits: papaya - how to eat it correctly? The easiest option is to cut the fruit lengthwise, remove all the bones and eat with a spoon from the peel, as if from a plate. Or you can simply peel the fruit and cut it into slices, like the usual and more familiar “collective farmer” or “torpedo”. Learn more about it in this video:

Another papaya lover shares his experience in the second video:

And here a person talks about how to grow this fruit at home.

Today we will talk about another exotic fruit - papaya (melon tree or breadfruit tree), let's talk about its beneficial properties and contraindications, learn about how it grows and where. One of the informal names is "the tree of the impatient gardener", because. fruiting begins already in the first year of growth, and the typical life time is an average of 5 years.

This culture has been known for centuries, if not thousands of years. There is evidence that papaya was cultivated by the Mayan and Aztec civilizations. However, in Russia, papaya is not particularly in demand and is very rarely sold in ordinary grocery stores. Therefore, it is perceived as a curiosity. Next, we will talk in more detail about papaya and its beneficial properties and contraindications.

Where does papaya grow

It is a mistake to think that papaya is a fruit. From the point of view of biology, this is a berry. The original homeland is South America and Mexico, where it is often called "fruit bomb". Now papaya grows in most regions where there is a suitable climate for it. For in the Russian climate, you will have to work hard, and in a suitable climate, it grows on palm-shaped trees, belongs to the genus Karika.

The trunk of the tree is thin and smooth, the most typical length is in the range of 5 to 10 meters, the leaves are up to 70 cm. The fruit itself reaches 35 cm at maturity, the minimum weight of the fruit suitable for human consumption is at least half a kilogram, although truly gigantic specimens are found. weighing up to seven kilograms. It does not require much effort to grow growing fruits, the culture is very unpretentious.

It currently grows in South America, Brazil, Cuba, Nigeria, where the tropics prevail. At the time of the Union, there were attempts to adapt to our more severe climate, but unfortunately, they failed.

What does papaya look like

There are two main types of papaya. Outwardly, they are quite easily distinguishable from each other:

• the Hawaiian species has small fruits;
• Mexican species is distinguished by large fruits.

The papaya fruit can be visually described as follows: a pear-shaped fruit of orange color, less often - yellow or green. The skin is thick and smooth. Average weight usually 3 kg. The flesh of the fruit is green or yellow. ripe fruit can be judged by its pronounced, characteristic orange and red tint. They are recommended for consumption. Inside the fruit are seeds in an amount of about 700 pcs.

It is very important to remember that the pulp of an unripe papaya fruit is penetrated by numerous microscopic tubes, milky juice moves through them - it is poisonous. In this case, there is no need to talk about the benefits at all. Its danger lies in in large numbers alkaloids. When ripe, the danger of poisoning disappears. Symptomatically, poisoning can manifest itself in the form of gastrointestinal upset, pain in the stomach, and various allergic reactions.

How to choose ripe papaya

Choosing papaya is similar to choosing any fruit. First you need to make visual inspection fruit, assess the firmness of the fruit and its aromatic properties.

The fruit should be elastic, should not be squeezed under the fingers. Ripe fruit always has a uniform and rich color.

There are no dents or stains on the surface. Black dots and gray plaque are a sign of depravity. The skin of the fruit should not shine unnaturally. There should be no visible damage - they saw cracks, a partial absence of the skin - refuse to buy and eat. Wrinkled or deformed papaya is also not a desirable acquisition; rotting processes may begin inside.

Wet or sticky surface is also not desirable, usually it means processing chemicals to extend the period of sale and artificially preserve an attractive presentation.

The smell of the fruit resembles the aroma of wild raspberries. Lack of smell and excessive hardness, as well as uneven coloring, indicate signs of immaturity of papaya, and such a fruit can be poisoned. Papaya can be left to ripen at home, but taste qualities will already be lost.

When cut, we see juicy pulp, in the middle there is a cavity with seeds. The pulp is close to melon in taste. The seeds themselves are not usually eaten, however locals they are used to make a seasoning similar to ground black pepper.

If there is any suspicion of corruption, you should refuse to purchase this copy. Only ripe and well-preserved fruit will bring benefits.

How to eat papaya

Dried papaya - dried fruits. Can be sold as dried without the use of additives, or prepared as candied fruit. If it is prepared without the use of additives, then the method of blowing with heated air is used to remove the excess liquid component. At the same time, the shelf life for use will be longer than when using sugar syrup as a natural preservative. Without added sugar, the benefits are more, less. Can be added to yogurt, ice cream, simply used as a light fruity snacks. Dried papaya is appropriate to consider as dietary product, since one serving of 40 g has only 20 calories, and this is only 1 percent of the required daily allowance. In addition, it is tasty and healthy. The benefits of papaya are multi-functional.

The fruits of the melon tree are tasty and healthy. Papaya tastes like the usual melon. Hawaiian papaya is traditionally eaten raw, like many other exotic ones. culinary specialties. It is recommended to eat papaya before the main dishes, since the exotic we are considering has a positive effect on digestive system human and improves digestion. Those who are not familiar with papaya will wonder how to clean it? Usually, the fruit is cut lengthwise into two parts, the seeds are removed with a spoon, the peel is cut off with a knife, cut into slices or pieces. Here one can see an obvious similarity with the melon we are used to. They say that it goes great with juice or orange. The fruits can also be baked on fire, and the smell of bread is felt.

In general, there are a lot of recipes with papaya in the composition: papaya stuffed with rice and meat, it is added as ingredients to fruit salads, desserts, jams, preserves. And, for example, they stew fish with the addition of unripe fruits. Often the pulp of the fruit is part of various sauces. Dried and crushed seeds excellent alternative hot pepper.

The composition and calorie content of papaya

The calorie content of fresh papaya per 100 g is 48 kcal. If you cook candied fruits from papaya, then their calorie content is 327 kcal. The content of bzhu per 100 g is:

• proteins-0.6,
• fats-0.1,
• carbohydrates-9.2.

Candied papaya has more high calorie due to the increased sugar content, if produced using syrup.

To display the rate of breakdown of products in the gastrointestinal tract and conversion to glucose, there is such an indicator as glycemic index products, and glucose is the main source of energy. The faster this happens, the higher this index. For fresh, the value is at level 58.

As for vitamins, they are not just a lot, this is a whole storehouse of vitamins in one fruit, and they cannot but be beneficial. Vitamins per 100 grams are presented:

• beta-carotene - 0.276 mg
• choline - 6.1 mg
• vitamin E - 0.73 mg
• thiamine - 0.027 mg
• riboflavin - 0.032 mg
• vitamin A - 55 mcg
• pantothenic acid - 0.218 mg
• pyridoxine - 0.019
• folic acid - 38 mcg
• phylloquinone - 2.6 mcg

Minerals include phosphorus, calcium, potassium, iron, and sodium. Again, we see that in terms of the vitamin complex, our exotic beauty is very close. Due to this combination of vitamins, fruits are preferable to carrots for vision problems. But papain, an enzyme similar to human digestive juice, is of particular benefit, we have already noted above that fruit pulp beneficial effect on gastrointestinal tract. The composition also includes arginine, a natural aphrodisiac that qualitatively increases potency. It is worth remembering that vitamin and mineral and chemical composition depends on the maturity of the fetus.

Benefits of papaya

Due to the composition of papaya, its properties are diverse and allow you to achieve benefits for different systems human body. Papaya seeds contain palmitic and oleic acids - these acids help in the prevention of cancer.

Papain, a natural enzyme found in papaya, aids in the digestion of protein foods.

The benefit of papain is that it breaks down the fibrin protein, which is present in cancer cells. The plant enzyme papain prevents the formation of tumors and metastasis in the early stages.

Useful properties of papaya

• It strengthens the immune system, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps the human body fight diseases.
• Papaya fruit benefits those who follow the body mass index. There are many different diets, including the mono-diet.
• The benefits of papaya are also significant for the circulatory system: cholesterol levels are reduced, blood vessels are cleaned, and the likelihood of thrombosis is reduced.
• When applied externally, it is indicated for thermal burns, irritation of the skin from insect bites, eczema. Cosmetologists use the juice as an exfoliating agent and to level skin inflammatory processes.
• Speaking about the prevention of caries and the reduction of bleeding gums, dentists note the benefits of regular use eating the pulp of papaya fruit.
• In the absence of contraindications, pieces of a well-ripened berry can also be offered to children from two years old, it is quickly absorbed, giving a tonic effect.
• Overseas "melon" helps to remove toxins from the body.
• Slows down aging of the retina

The use by men of 100-200 g of papaya per day contributes to the duration of sexual life and prolongation of sexual activity.

Papaya, of course, does not grow with us, but it can be seen on store shelves. These berries do not look very attractive: they do not look like berries at all, they are not quite the right shape, the skin color is poisonous green, and the taste is not particularly praised. On one of the forums, they literally responded to her like this: “A rare muck!”. To identify the papaya in the picture below, you need to have a good imagination.

Papaya - melon tree

Oh, that's what it looks like papaya - melon tree. This spectacle prompted me to learn more about her: where does papaya grow why - a melon tree, why there are no leaves and so many fruits on a bare and not so powerful trunk.

Where and how papaya grows

Papaya grows where it is warm and humid: in India, Brazil, Cuba, Mexico, Central America - in the tropics. It can grow in Africa, in places where, in addition to heat, there is suitable humidity. Trying to grow it in more northern countries but the plant does not tolerate low temperatures and this is possible only in the greenhouse. You can try to plant and grow papaya at home. It is propagated by seeds and cuttings.

• seeds are harvested from ripe, soft fruits
• planted in small containers
• 1 seed

Roots are located in top layer earthy coma. They don't like it when the soil dries up. They rot from excess moisture. Require, as they grow, a neat transplant into a larger container. Papaya grows and develops quickly. AT vivo reaches eight meters in height. It blooms in six months and the fruits ripen in the same year.

And they are located (this can be seen in the picture) on that part of the trunk where there are no branches and leaves, which seems strange out of habit. The trunk itself is hollow inside and, in fact, the plant is considered grass (grass is as high as a 3-story building!). Probably because the grass, the plant lives only 5 years, then it dies. At home, papaya is not so high.

Why melon tree

Oddly enough, papaya is a relative of the gourd melon culture, which is why it is a melon tree. The seeds inside her are placed in the same way as those of a melon. The taste of ripe berries is also similar to melon and even sweeter than melon. Ripe fruits are yellow like a melon, become soft and spoil quickly, so they are harvested unripe. It takes some time to ripen.

The stores always sell green, unripe papaya and therefore the taste of it seems to be "rare muck." And you just need to let her mature and reach the condition.

Benefits of papaya

Why papaya is useful, many of its medicinal properties have long been studied and established. First of all, from unripe fruits are obtained and used

• milky juice.

Enzymes are prepared from it that improve digestion, promote the healing of ulcers and treat other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

• Dry leaves

brewed with boiling water, insist and use for the same purposes. More,

• papaya juice

used to treat spinal diseases and vascular thrombosis. Besides,

• fruit

have a tonic and bactericidal effect. Papaya contains many macro- and microelements, vitamins, acids. Are used

• all parts of the plant

and not only in medicinal purposes, but still in household and cosmetic. Ropes are made from very strong bark, and gruel is made from fresh berries Perfectly cleanses and whitens the skin.

How to eat papaya

From the previous text, you can already decide how papaya is eaten. It is eaten fresh and dried, jams, jams, drinks are made from it, added to various delicacies, stuffed, and fruit salads are made.

papaya stuffed

For fruit salad ripe papaya cut into cubes and seasoned with sour cream. Other fruits and a little sugar can be added if desired.

Shrimp Papaya Salad : take 1 papaya fruit, a pound of shrimp, a sprig of celery, a clove of garlic, oil, pepper and salt. Papaya is cut into pieces, lightly fried and stewed; shrimp are cleaned and fried in oil with garlic. The ingredients are combined, celery, salt, pepper are added and everything is heated together for another 1 minute. The salad is now ready to eat.

You can take ham instead of shrimp, or you can dream up and come up with a dish with papaya yourself.

Well. Now we know where papaya grows, why it is called a melon tree, its medicinal properties and how papaya is used.

Papaya - melon tree

Papaya, of course, does not grow with us, but it can be seen on store shelves. These berries do not look very attractive: they do not look like berries at all, they are not quite the right shape, the skin color is poisonous green, and the taste is not particularly praised. On one of the forums, they literally responded to her like this: “A rare muck!”. To identify the papaya in the picture above, you need to have a good imagination.

Oh, that's what it looks likepapaya - melon tree. This spectacle prompted me to learn more about her:where does papaya growwhy - a melon tree, why there are no leaves and so many fruits on a bare and not so powerful trunk.

Where and how papaya grows

Papaya grows where it is warm and humid: in India, Brazil, Cuba, Mexico, Central America - in the tropics. It can grow in Africa, in places where, in addition to heat, there is suitable humidity. They are trying to grow it in more northern countries, but the plant does not tolerate low temperatures and this is only possible in a greenhouse. You can try to plant and grow papaya at home. It is propagated by seeds and cuttings.

• seeds are harvested from ripe, soft fruits
• planted in small containers 1 seed

The roots are located in the upper layer of the earthy coma. They don't like it when the soil dries up. They rot from excess moisture. Require, as they grow, a neat transplant into a larger container. Papaya grows and develops quickly. Under natural conditions, it reaches an eight-meter height. It blooms in six months and the fruits ripen in the same year.

And they are located (this can be seen in the picture) on that part of the trunk where there are no branches and leaves, which seems strange out of habit. The trunk itself is hollow inside and, in fact, the plant is considered grass (grass is as high as a 3-story building!). Probably because the grass, the plant lives only 5 years, then it dies. At home, papaya is not so high.

Why melon tree

Oddly enough, papaya is a relative of the gourd melon culture, which is why it is a melon tree. The seeds inside her are placed in the same way as those of a melon. The taste of ripe berries is also similar to melon and even sweeter than melon. Ripe fruits are yellow like a melon, become soft and spoil quickly, so they are harvested unripe. It takes some time to ripen.

The stores always sell green, unripe papaya and therefore the taste of it seems to be "rare muck." And you just need to let her mature and reach the condition.

Benefits of papaya

Why papaya is useful, many of its medicinal properties have long been studied and established. First of all, from unripe fruits are obtained and used

• milky juice.

Enzymes are prepared from it that improve digestion, promote the healing of ulcers and treat other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

• Dry leaves

brewed with boiling water, insist and use for the same purposes. More,

• papaya juice

used to treat spinal diseases and vascular thrombosis. Besides,

• fruit

have a tonic and bactericidal effect. Papaya contains many macro- and microelements, vitamins, acids. Are used

• all parts of the plant

and not only for medicinal purposes, but also for household and cosmetic purposes. Ropes are made from a very strong bark, and gruel from fresh berries perfectly cleanses and whitens the skin.

How to eat papaya

From the previous text, you can already decide how papaya is eaten. It is eaten fresh and dried, jams, jams, drinks are made from it, added to various delicacies, stuffed, and fruit salads are made.

papaya stuffed

For fruit salad ripe papaya cut into cubes and seasoned with sour cream. Other fruits and a little sugar can be added if desired.

Shrimp Papaya Salad: take 1 papaya fruit, a pound of shrimp, a sprig of celery, a clove of garlic, oil, pepper and salt. Papaya is cut into pieces, lightly fried and stewed; shrimp are cleaned and fried in oil with garlic. The ingredients are combined, celery, salt, pepper are added and everything is heated together for another 1 minute. The salad is now ready to eat.

You can take ham instead of shrimp, or you can dream up and come up with a dish with papaya yourself.

Well. Now we know where papaya grows, why it is called a melon tree, its medicinal properties and how papaya is used.