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NATIONAL PAPAYA MONTH: CELEBRATING A TROPICAL DELIGHT
Every June and September, the United States celebrates National Papaya Month, an initiative to promote the delicious and nutritious tropical fruit. Though not officially sponsored, the Comité Nacional Sistema Producto Papaya AC, Mexico's association of papaya growers, supports the month to raise awareness about papayas' health benefits.
THE HISTORY OF NATIONAL PAPAYA MONTH
National Papaya Month emerged in the early 2000s to encourage the consumption of this tropical fruit. The campaign aims to educate consumers about the various ways to enjoy papayas, highlight their nutritional benefits, and support the growers and producers who bring papayas to the US market.
VARIETIES OF PAPAYA
There are several varieties of papaya, each with its unique characteristics:
Hawaiian Papaya—The variety most common in supermarkets across the US, known for its smaller size and sweet flavor.
Mexican Papaya—Larger than the Hawaiian variety, Mexican papayas can weigh up to 10 pounds and have a milder taste.
Red Papaya—This variety has reddish-orange flesh and is known for its sweet and rich flavor.
Golden Papaya—Smaller and sweeter than other varieties, the golden papaya has bright yellow skin and flesh.
ORIGINS OF PAPAYA
Papayas originated in southern Mexico and Central America. Indigenous peoples cultivated them for centuries, and Spanish and Portuguese explorers later spread them to other tropical and subtropical regions. Today, papayas are grown in various parts of the world, including the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and Africa, as well as in Hawaii, Florida, and parts of California in the United States.
HOW PEOPLE EAT PAPAYA
Papayas are incredibly versatile and are enjoyed in a variety of ways:
Fresh—The most common way to eat papaya is fresh. Cut the fruit in half, scoop the seeds, and enjoy the sweet, juicy flesh with a spoon.
Smoothies—Blending papaya with other fruits, yogurt, and ice makes for a refreshing and nutritious smoothie.
Salads—Papaya can be added to fruit salads or paired with greens, nuts, and a tangy dressing for a tropical twist on traditional salads.
Salsas—Diced papaya can be combined with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice to create a vibrant and flavorful salsa.
Desserts—Papaya can be used in desserts such as sorbets, fruit tarts, and parfaits, adding natural sweetness and tropical flair.
National Papaya Month is a time to celebrate and enjoy this versatile fruit, whether discovering new recipes or savoring it fresh. By promoting the many ways to incorporate papayas into your diet, the campaign helps to highlight the fruit's nutritional benefits. It supports the growers who bring this tropical delight to our tables.
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