What's Poppin', Payaya?

I've been a lover of papaya juice for quite some time now. I like substituting papaya juice instead of orange juice because it's sweeter in taste and vibrant in color.

Papaya and mango are my two favorite soft fruits of the summertime.

Scientifically named Carica papaya is a member of the plant family, Caricaceae.

The tasty fruit originated from Mexico and Central America.

Papaya is grown from a seed-producing yellow or orange fruit, growing upwards of 26 feet tall.

Alternatively known as papaye, this fruit was labeled "The Fruit of the Angels" by Christopher Columbus.

The bright fruit is also used in Asian, Thai, Caribbean, and Indian cuisines.

In the 20th century, papaya came to the United States and was majorly produced in Hawaii. In Hawaii, kapoho solo papaya, rainbow papaya, and sunrise papayas are grown. The Hawaii-grown fruit blossoms red and yellow colors and can grow to weigh ten pounds.

Hello, antioxidants.

Antioxidants are a godsend to the immune system!

Essential vitamins and minerals are necessary to repair cell damage from oxidative stress, strengthen immunity, and ward off cold and flu.

A study with participants suffering from Alheimzers who consumed papaya extract for six months saw a reduction in oxidative stress by 40%.

Zeaxanthin, an antioxidant found in papaya, helps filter blue light rays which reduce macular degeneration.

Papaya is a great source of vitamin A which is good for hair, skin, and nails.

Vitamin K found in papaya improves calcium absorption which helps strengthen bones.

Studies show antioxidant-enriched foods, like papaya, can reduce inflammation.

Papaya is a godsend to your digestive system.

Whether it's stress or a jammed-packed schedule, digestive issues can arise for many reasons. Lucky for us, papaya can help reduce digestive system concerns, such as irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS.

Papain breaks down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats for easier digestion.

Papain and chymopapain, digestive enzymes, found in papaya [and pineapple] can help aid digestion.

Papaya reduces the risks of cardiovascular diseases.

Cardiovascular diseases are on a rise. Eating the proper fruits and vegetables can reduce the risks of cardiovascular ailments.

Researchers suggested lycopene and vitamin C in papaya can lower the risks of heart disease.

Carpain found in papaya can cease certain parasites that can affect your nervous system.

According to the Journal of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Biomarkers, studies proved men with beta-carotene-enriched foods help combat prostate cancer.

Beta-carotene can help reduce the risks of asthma.

A study published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed eating lycopene-enriched fruits and drinking green tea can minimize the development of prostate cancer cells.

Other studies proved most men who ate papaya are 82% less likely to develop prostate cancer cells.

Liven up your healthy lifestyle with papaya.

The first lesson I learned about eating papaya is to be sure it's ripe. Unripe papaya has a taste similar to squash. Be sure the papaya is free of bruises or overly discolored.

Secondly, be sure to scoop out the seeds inside of the papaya. The wrinkled black seeds inside the papaya are edible but bitter. I like to recycle my seeds back into the garden after air-drying the seeds.

The summer and fall are the best seasons to try growing papayas.

If you're not a green thumb, no worries. You can shop papaya year-round at your local supermarket or grocery store.

Papaya should be between yellow to red-orange in color. Eat papaya as you would honeydew or cantalope.

Refrigerating papaya can help slow down the ripening process. I've learned storing papaya at room temperature produces fruit flies and ripens faster. I like to chill the papaya prior to dicing to add to salads, chutney, salsas, and compote for marinades.

You can enjoy papaya baked, sauteed, and stir-fry!

What are your thoughts about papaya?