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Nutritional Facts of Fruit

Papaya


Papaya

Major Growing Areas

Papayas, also known as the "Fruit of Longevity", are mostly cultivated in places such as Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, some regions in China (e.g. Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian and Hainan Island) and Taiwan.

Varieties

Papayas come in many different varieties. The American ones include Solo, Blue Stem and Betty, etc. Among the Chinese varieties are Lingnan papayas, Suizhonghong papayas and Thai "red papayas".

Nutritional Values

Papayas are rich in β-carotene and vitamin C.

Per 100 g (Approx. over ½ bowl of diced papaya pulp)
Energy 43 kcal
Sugar 7.8 g
Vitamin C 60.9 mg
Dietary Fibre 1.7 g
β-carotene 274 μg

Buying Tips

It is advisable to buy yellow or yellowish-orange papayas that are intact, plump without any dark spots and bruises or a rotting pedicel. Generally, the best time to eat a papaya is when the fruit is more than half ripe. When buying a papaya, you can touch it with your hands. If the fruit is firm and bouncy to the touch, its flesh is smooth and delectable.

Interesting Titbits

Papayas contain papain, which helps break down protein, hence promoting digestion and absorption.

One Serving of Fruit is Equivalent to:

½ bowl of diced papaya pulp

Remark: One bowl = 250 – 300 ml

Other Tropical fruits


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