The papaya tree can grow to 26 feet tall (2). It has a relatively thin trunk with stems and fruit growing only near the top. The stems are usually smooth and green. The leaves are big and very lobed. Its flowers are small and pale yellow (3). The fruits of the papaya tree are like a chunky teardrop shape when ripe. The flesh of the fruit is a bright orange, and the seeds are deep brown to black. The shape, size, and color of the papaya fruit may change depending on the variety; different countries tend to grow particular varieties (5).

Papaya trees thrive in tropical areas around the world. They grow in zones 10-12 (3). Papaya trees require full sun, a moderate amount of water, and a lot of fertilization (3). While they can be grown in containers, the tree and fruit growth will be limited. Potted Papaya trees also live for a shorter amount of time (less than 5 years) (3). Additionally, good drainage is required to prevent seed/seedling rot. This rotting can happen to mature plants as well (5). There are many insects and other animals that like to feed on the fruit, which can cause rotting, an issue for commercial growers. This can be prevented by covering the fruit with paper bags or newspaper (5). It is recommended to keep plants for the Cucurbitaceae family away from papaya plants to reduce the spread of the non-curable mosaic virus (5).

Culinary and/or Medicinal Uses

Origin: South America. The flesh of the fruit of the papaya tree can be eaten when ripe. Certain varieties of unripe papaya are eaten raw, or otherwise are cooked before consumption. The seeds are also edible  and can be used to replace pepper because of its similar taste (6). The bark of the papaya tree can be used to make rope (4). The inner bark is used in Samoa to relieve toothaches (5). The leaves can be used to feed aquatic animals in fish ponds (5). The latex of young papaya fruit and the seeds have been used in India to induce abortions (6). Papaya fruit is considered to be good for digestion. It is also high in vitamin A (5). The high papain content of papaya leaves and fruit is helpful in tenderizing meat; this practice can be seen in the Philippines where they use the young leaves particularly to tenderize their meat. (5).

From the Community Voice

Som tam (ส้มตำ), or green papaya salad, is one of Thailand’s most popular dishes (7).

Ingredients:

  • 2 garlic cloves

  • 5 Thai chillies 

  • 2 tablespoons shelled roasted peanuts

  • 1 tableink spoon fish sauce

  • ½ - 1 tablespoon palm sugar

  • 1 - 2 limes

  • 1 tablespoon of dried shrimp (optional)

  • 1 - 2 small tomatoes

  • 1 big handful of slivered green papaya

  • Long-beans or green beans

  • Green cabbage

  • Thai sweet basil

Instructions:

  1. Mash the garlic and chilies together well

  2. Add ½ tbs of palm sugar, 1 tbs of fish sauce, and juice from 1-2 limes depending on personal taste; mix by pounding together until sugar granules are dissolved

  3. Add 1 tbs of peanuts, 1tbs of dried shrimp

  4. Slice tomatoes and add to mixture; continue to mash together

  5. Add papaya to mixture and lightly mash together to coat the papaya slivers

  6. Garish with long or green beans, green cabbage, more peanuts, and Thai sweet basil

References

  1. Ware, Megan. “What are the Health Benefits of Papaya?” Medical News Today. December 21, 2017. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/275517

  2. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Papaya.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., May 17, 2019. https://www.britannica.com/plant/papaya  

  3. “Carica Papaya.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed May 21, 2020.  http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d374

  4. Duke, James A. “Carica Papaya L.” 1983. Handbook of Energy Crops. https://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Carica_papaya.html

  5. De La Cruz Medina, J., Gilber Vela Gutiérrez, and H.S. García. Edited by Danilo Mejía. “Papaya Post-harvest Operations” INPhO Post-harvest Compendium. http://www.fao.org/3/a-av012e.pdf

  6. Grace, Ashley. “Papaya Seeds for Abortion Is the Safest Way to Get It Done.” Benefits and Uses, February 12, 2020. https://benefitsuses.com/fruits/papaya-seeds-abortion.html

  7. Wiens, Mark. “Thai Green Papaya Salad Recipe (ส้มตำ) - Thai Street Food Style!” Thai Street Food, Restaurants, and Recipes | Eating Thai Food, June 29, 2020. https://www.eatingthaifood.com/thai-green-papaya-salad-recipe/