PAPAYAS

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Sweet, juicy papaya does more than just stimulate the taste buds. This tropical fruit, sometimes referred to as paw paw, sweetens the nutritional pot with big doses of essential vitamins.

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Ripe papayas contain a nearly three-day supply of vitamin C and significant amounts of vitamins A and E, all powerful antioxidants. Papayas may also help improve skin and strengthen nails and hair. Ripe papaya is best known as a potent digestive aid, due to its high fiber content. Unripe, green papaya contains high levels of the digestive enzyme papain, which behaves much like those enzymes produced by the stomach's gastric juices. The fruit also contains a high amount of folate, which aids in cell production and helps prevent anemia.
Choose slightly soft papayas with reddish-orange skin. Yellowish fruit will take several days to ripen. Depending on the variety, a papaya's flesh will appear yellow, orange, or a shade of salmon or red when ripe.
To speed ripening, place the papaya in a paper bag with a banana, which releases the compound ethylene and hastens the process. Ripe papayas will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator.
To serve, cut a papaya like a melon and remove the seeds, then squeeze lemon or lime juice on top. The acidity of the citrus will enhance the papaya's sweetness. The seeds, which have a slightly peppery taste, are edible as well. Sprinkle a few on a salad or use as a garnish. Unripe green papayas are delicious in Thai-and Vietnamese-style salads.
The enzyme papain, found in green papaya, reduces the itch and irritation caused by mosquito bites. Simply rub a bite with a piece of the thinly sliced fruit.
Do not try this remedy if you are allergic to insect venoms.)
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