Papaya is not just delicious in taste and texture, but it also contains essential vitamins like A and C, as well as minerals and antioxidants that can protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. This tropical fruit is truly a nutritional powerhouse. The scientific name of papaya, Carica papaya, comes from the Greek word 'karike', which means 'resembling the fig' in reference to its leaves. Papaya is adaptable to various climates, although it thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. There are different varieties of papaya, each with its own unique characteristics. The Solo papaya, popular in Malaysia, has a pear shape and vibrant orange flesh.
The Mexican papaya can grow as large as 10 pounds and the Maradol papaya, found in the Caribbean and Central America, has red flesh. The Tainung papaya originates from Taiwan. Hawaii, Brazil, and India are the major producers of papaya. The papaya tree has three sexual forms: male, female, and hermaphrodite. The male produces only pollen, while the female produces small inedible fruits unless pollinated. Hermaphrodites can self-pollinate.
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