Papaya is a fruit that comes from the short-lived papaya plant, which is a tree-like herb. The plant is most commonly believed to be a native of Mexico and Central America, but it is also found in other locations that have tropical climates, including Hawaii and the southern regions of Florida and California. Papaya juice from the flesh of the plant's fruit and is considered a healthy drink because of its abundant nutrients.
Consumers can buy papaya juice in a form that is ready for use in cans or bottles at supermarkets, or fresh juice can be made at home with the use of either a blender or a juicer. When it is made fresh, the seeds are removed from the fruit because of their pepper-like flavor. Depending on preference, the skin can be removed or left on the fruit, which is then cut into pieces and put into the juicer or blender.
In addition to taste, papaya and its juice contains plenty of vitamins and minerals that promote good health. Papaya juice is rich with vitamin C, with one large fruit containing up to 235 milligrams of the vitamin. The juice also is also a good source of vitamin A, calcium, potassium, fiber and iron. Some of the benefits of papaya juice include protection against colon cancer, prevention of seasonal illnesses such as the common cold or the flu and the reduction of problems with inflammation.
Papain is a beneficial enzyme that is found in the papaya fruit, and the greatest amount of it is found in unripened fruit. It is a protein digestant that increases the practical uses of fruit. The papain found in the papaya juice makes it useful as a marinade to tenderize tough cuts of meat. In addition, papain is useful as a digestive aid and can help with constipation and indigestion problems.
The inside of the papaya fruit has an orange or pink flesh with large black seeds down the center. It has a melon-like flavor that is often compared with the taste of a cantaloupe. There generally are two types of papaya: Hawaiian and Mexican. The Hawaiian papaya is the smaller of the two, is often considered sweeter and more intense in flavor. The flesh of the larger Mexican papaya might have a more yellow coloring than that of a Hawaiian papaya.
