The only orange fruit that has black seeds is the papaya, also known as the pawpaw or papaw. This large, gourd-shaped fruit has a yellow and orange gradient skin with vibrant orange flesh. It is known for its health benefits and for having edible seeds.
What is Papaya?
Papayas are considered to be large berries and can measure up to 17 inches long and 11 inches in diameter. They feel soft when they are ripe and are famous for their rich amber-colored flesh, although they can also come in red and yellow variants. The center of the fruit has a cavity filled with black seeds, which are edible.
The History of Papayas
Papayas were first domesticated in Mesoamerica, in modern-day Mexico and Central America. Today, it is grown in most tropical countries and has expanded to Florida, Hawaii, Central Africa, India, and even Australia.
Although it is originally from Central America, India actually sells the most amount of papayas in the world at about 43%. The United States is the biggest consumer of the fruit worldwide.
Eating Papayas
The fruit can simply be eaten raw, usually without the skin or seeds even though the seeds are edible. They are said to have a sharp and spicy taste, while the seeds taste similar to peppercorns.
Green papayas, also known as unripened papayas, are often used in Southeast Asian cooking. They are commonly pickled and served as a side dish. They are also used in spicy salads. Even the papaya leaves can be steamed and eaten.
In South America, unripe papayas are used to make sweets and preserves, such as jam. Some also boil the flowers and stem. However, the most popular way to eat papayas is by cutting them into chunks and eating them raw.
Papayas can also be juiced or made into smoothies. Sometimes they are used in salsa or relish, or as a topping for salads and fruit bowls.
Papayas and Medicine
Papaya leaves have been used in traditional medicine as a treatment for malaria. They can also be smoked to help relieve asthma. Additionally, the fruit contains enzymes that help with digestion, as well as cleaning the colon.
Due to the high amount of antioxidants in papayas, it is considered helpful for reducing the chances of heart disease. It is also known to help reduce inflammation, protect against prostate cancer, and boost the immune system.
Eating papayas as a snack also has health benefits. They have a high water content and are a significant source of vitamin C, making them a very healthy food choice.
Haircare and Skincare With Papayas
Surprisingly, papayas have quite a few benefits for your hair and skin that do not require you to eat them. You can create hair masks by crushing the flesh of a papaya, mixing it with plain yogurt, and applying it to wet hair. Just be sure to rinse and shampoo after 20 minutes.
You can take slices of papaya and rub them over your face to help remove dead skin cells. After exfoliating, wait for 5 minutes then rinse. This can help moisturize and soften skin, as well as reduce signs of aging and skin spots.
Side Effects of Papayas
Despite being a healthy and tasty fruit snack, papayas can cause some side effects. Eating unripened papayas can potentially damage the esophagus due to a chemical in unripened papaya called papain. Even if no damage is done, unripe papaya is said to taste very nasty, almost like vomit.
The chemical papain in unripened papaya can also cause an allergic reaction in some people. Even if you do not eat the unripe fruit directly, since some cultures use papayas as a meat tenderizer, it is possible to induce an allergic reaction via the tenderized meat.
Other potential side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Smelly stool
- Loose bowels
- Sperm motility
If any of these symptoms arise for you, seek medical advice or medical care as necessary.
Conclusion
Next time you are at a grocery store, you might spot some papayas from Hawaii, Florida, or even India. Pick out a soft one and give the fruit a try in any of its multiple uses. Just remember, there is only one orange fruit with black seeds: the papaya.
