PAPAYA

Papaya is a sappy, soft-tissue, quick-growing but short-lived plant. It grows to 2-10 meters in height. It is believed to be a native of tropical America, where it is called pawpaw as well as melon zapote. Today, it is grown in tropical countries situated between latitudes 32 All parts of the plant produce a milky juice (or latex), which contains the enzymes papain and chymopapain, both of which have protein-digesting and milk-clotting properties. The plants are usually dioeciously (only male or female flowers are present). Male and female plants are identical in appearance until flowers appear. They come into bearing at about 6-12 months. The fruits vary greatly in size, shape and flavor. They may measure 7-60 cm long and weighing up to 9 kg. They are usually eaten when ripe as dessert. The flesh is very rich in vitamin A and calcium and has also some vitamin c. Many varieties of papaya are grown in Malaysia. Among the better known ones, the yellow-fleshed type includes Serdang, Honey Dew, and Morib, while the red-fleshed kind includes Batu Arang, Subang 6 and Taiping 3.