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Papaya

By Hector Rodriguez, About.com

Photographic image of a papaya fruit

Papaya

© Nghe Tran. Image from BigStockPhoto.com.
Definition: Papaya is native to Mexico, Central America and South America. It is now cultivated in most countries with a tropical climate, thanks to early explorers. Ripe papaya can be eaten raw. An unripe green papaya can be eaten cooked in dishes such as curries, salads and stews. The enzymes present in papaya also make it an excellent meat tenderizer.

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Audio file copyright 2006 Melissa Rodriguez. Used with permission.

Pronunciation:

[pa-pie-ya]Audio Link

Also Known As: mamão, tree melon, fruta bomba, lechosa, pawpaw

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