Papaw (see also yellow papaw)

The name papaw is given to the larger melon-like fruit with a smooth yellow-orange skin and less-sweet yellow flesh. Different to papaya though often called by the same name, papaws have a distinct yellow flesh and are rounder and larger than papaya.

Papaw contains papain, an enzyme that helps digest proteins. Papain is especially high when the fruit is unripe and may be beneficial to those with digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome. Papain is also often extracted from the fruit to make digestive enzyme dietary supplements.

Papaw is a good source of vitamin C, folate, potassium, vitamins E, C, A and K as well as antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lutein and lycopene.

To Buy:

Choose papaws that are almost fully yellow and slightly soft to touch if you are going to eat them straight away. If not, select fruits with a yellow-green skin and allow them to ripen at room temperature for a few days before consuming.

To Store:

Papaws can be ripened at room temperature and are ready to eat when the skin is yellow and slightly soft to touch. They can be stored in the fridge for a few days once ripe.

Tips & Tricks:

Papaws are often sliced and eaten on their own, and can be drizzled with fresh lime or lemon for extra flavour. The fruit is also perfect as an ingredient in a variety of recipes, including breakfast and brunch. Aside from its health benefits, papain is also used in the following ways:

As a meat tenderiser

As an agent to filter and purify beer

To cleanse, soothe and heal the skin

As a home remedy for the treatment of jellyfish, bee and wasp stings when made into a paste with water.

Cooking Tips:

Combining milk with papaw to create a nutritious breakfast smoothie such as a Papaw Lassi can lead to an increase in the amount of beta-carotene absorbed from the fruit.

Find recipes with Papaw (see also yellow papaw)

Nutrition per 100 Grams:

Energy (kJ):

141

Low GI < 55:

Protein (g):

0.4

Saturated Fat, g :

0.0

Vitamin A:

Vitamin K:

Potassium:

Amines:

Moderate

Glutamates:

n/a

Carbohydrates, g:

6.9

Fibre, g:

Fat (g):

0.1

Monosaturated Fat , g:

0.0

Vitamin C:

Folic Acid:

Antioxidants:

Salicylates:

Very low

Benefits the Following Health Conditions:*

* This information is sourced by a qualified naturopath. It is non prescriptive and not intended as a cure for the condition. Recommended intake is not provided. It is no substitute for the advice and treatment of a professional practitioner.