Strawberry Papaya
Firm and smooth-skinned, beautiful strawberry papayas are about the size of an elongated mango. The striking colors of this exceptional variety range from green to yellow and orange when ripe. Its shell becomes slightly soft as it ripens. Numerous small, shiny, round, black inedible seeds inhabit the cavity in the center of the fruit. Pink, firm and juicy, its scrumptious flesh is similar to a melon, offering a wonderfully sweet flavor and a pleasantly smooth texture. Papaya grows on a tree that is actually a big hollow unbranched herbaceous shrub. Clusters of papaya fruit grow along the plant stem under a crown-like group of leaves. Delightfully fragrant, dainty pretty flowers appear that may be used for making lovely leis.
Nutritious papaya is an excellent source of beta carotene, has a moderate amount of fiber and carbohydrates, provides 260 milligrams of potassium, contains some folic acid and is low in sodium. High in vitamin A and vitamin C, papaya contains more vitamin C than the orange. A beneficial enzyme, papain, is present in papaya and is believed to aid digestion. Papaya places first among the fruits for vitamin C, vitamin A, riboflavin, folate, calcium, thiamine, iron, niacin, iron, potassium and fiber. Following papaya for nutritional value, in order, are cantaloupe, strawberry, orange, tangerine, kiwi, mango, apricot, persimmon and watermelon.