Papaya (Carica papaya)

Family: Caricaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (5/5)

Papaya or Carica papaya otherwise known as Mam'o or Melon Tree is one of the most popular trees cultivated for its tropical fruits. It grows up to 10 m tall with a non-woody, hollow bole of up to 30 cm in diameter. The fruit is consumed raw or cooked. It can be eaten fresh when ripe or as vegetable (immature fruits), processed, preserved, or dried. The seeds are used as spice; the male flowers and young leaves are also edible when cooked.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

rich fruit has a firm, creamy texture and a delightful flavour reminiscent of melon and apricot. — Edible portion: Fruit, Flowers, Leaves, Vegetable, Seeds - spice.; Fruit - raw or cooked.; The vitamin-rich fruit has a firm, creamy texture and a delightful flavour reminiscent of melon and apricot.; Delicious raw, it is a very versatile fruit and can also be preserved, dried, cooked in pies, made into jam, ice cream, jellies, sherbets etc.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known as a truly wild plant. (Zone 9)