A half cup of cubed fresh papaya weighing 70 grams contains 25 calories according to the CDC.
There are only 7 grams of carbohydrates and only 4 of those are sugars.
There is no fat, cholesterol, sodium, or protein in that serving size.
There is one gram of dietary fiber.
Vitamins and minerals are low, with the exception of 15% of Vitamin A and 70% of dietary value Vitamin C.
Choose one that is evenly colored (golden yellow to orange depending on the Hawaiian or Mexican variety), gives slightly to gentle pressure, and smells sweet.
There should be no bruised or soft spots.
Papayas may not ripen properly if they have been cut while still green.
Ripe ones should be used within a week of purchase.
The easiest way to eat your papaya is to slice it in half lengthwise, scoop out the black seeds (although they are edible), squeeze some lime juice on it, and eat it with a spoon as you would a melon.
It makes a great breakfast.
You can also fill the hollow with fruit salad for lunch, but be careful about storage with dairy protein as the papain enzymes will break down protein fibers.
This is not a problem if you are going to use it immediately for a fruit and yogurt smoothie.
In fact, many cultures use papayas to tenderize meats prior to cooking, then include the pieces of this fruit with meals to aid digestion.
This delicious fruit comes from Central America and southern Mexico, but is now grown in tropical areas worldwide.
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