Papaya

The papaya plant is actually a herb which can grow up to 9 metres tall. It originated in Central America and grows in tropical climates. The fruit starts green, then grows up to 45cm long, changing to an amber colour. Inside, the flesh is soft but not mushy, and an orange colour. The seeds are small, black and many in number. The skin and seeds are not usually eaten, although the seeds are not poisonous and taste peppery. A ripe papaya should smell sweet; if not, it will ripen if kept at room temperature.
Papayas are a good source of potassium, vitamins A, C, E and folate.