Pawpaw(asimina) and papaya are terms that are often used interchangeably and, in many cases, assumed to be references to the same type of fruit — a yellow, melon-like fruit that grows in many tropical climates. Despite the confusion, pawpaw and papaya are two separate species of plants, with the dominant papaya species called Carica papaya being grown in the West Indies, South America, and Hawaii, as well as India and other countries. There are roughly 45 well-cultivated species of papaya and these are sometimes also referred to loosely as paw paw.
True pawpaw, however, is a member of the
Asimina genus of eight species that are native to the North American countries of the US and Canada, and are much less widely cultivated and eaten there.
One of the major differences between pawpaw and papaya is in the size of the native plants from which the fruits are harvested. While papaya trees are true trees that can grow to a height of 33 feet (10 meters), pawpaw are considered shrubs or small trees that often only reach a height of 7 feet (about 2 meters).
HOW CAN I TELL THE DIFFERENCE?
It’s easier than you think, you can tell the two apart by using shape and colour.
A papaya has a red or red flesh inside and it is oval like a rugby ball.
A pawpaw has yellow flesh, is slightly larger and more round like a soccer ball.
HOW DO THEY TASTE?
A papaya has a sweeter, tropical flavour while pawpaw is a more mellow taste, often compared to banana.
Asimina is a genus of small trees or shrubs described as a genus, Asimina has large simple leaves and large fruit. It is native to eastern North America and collectively referred to as pawpaw .
Fresh pawpaw fruits are commonly eaten raw; however, they do not store or ship well unless frozen. The fruit pulp is also often used locally in baked dessert recipes, with pawpaw often substituted in many banana -based recipes.
Papayas grow in tropical climates and are also known as papaws or pawpaws. Their sweet taste, vibrant color, and the wide variety of health benefits they provide make them a popular fruit.
Papayas are spherical or pear-shaped fruits that can be as long as 20 inches. The ones commonly found in the market usually average about 7 inches and weigh about one pound. Their flesh is a rich orange color with either yellow or pink hues. Inside the inner cavity of the fruit are black, round seeds encased in a gelatinous-like substance. Papaya's seeds are edible, although their peppery flavor is somewhat bitter. The fruit, as well as the other parts of the papaya tree, contain papain, an enzyme that helps digest proteins. This enzyme is especially concentrated in the fruit when it is unripe. Papain is extracted to make digestive enzyme dietary supplements and is also used as an ingredient in some chewing gums.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF PAPAYA AND PAWPAW
The health benefits of the both includes:
- helps in digestion
- They promotes weight loss
- They regulates menstruation
- They prevents infections
- They provides relief from a toothache
- They has anticancer properties
- They helps in skin care
- They improves heart health
- They reduces the symptoms of acne and burns
10.They have anti-inflammatory effects - They are good for macular degeneration
- They helps in treats constipation
- They helps prevent arthritis
Malaria fever- Squeeze some yellow pawpaw leafs in water. Take a glassful three times daily for seven days. This preparation is also good for jaundice. The dosage is the same.
Diabetes- The green leafs of pawpaw are good foe diabetes-induced hypertension. Squeeze the green leaves in water and take a glass thrice daily. This preparation is also good for constipation.
Stomach Ulcer- Cut a big unripe pawpaw fruit into pieces. Do not remove the peel or seeds. Simply cut the whole fruits into cubes. Then soak in five bottles of water for four days. Sieve and take ½ a glass thrice daily for 2 weeks. This is a very good remedy for any type of intestinal ulcer.
External Ulcer - The white milky sap of the unripe pawpaw contains a high percentage of papain, which is used for chronic wounds or ulcers. This can be obtained by making a slight cut of the unripe pawpaw fruit to allow the juice drop. Papain is also present in the ripe pawpaw fruit.
Asthma- Burn dried pawpaw leaves and inhale the smoke during an attack of asthma. This will bring quick relief. Therefore, to prevent an attack, inhale the smoke every night.
Bronchitis- The root of the pawpaw plant is a good remedy for respiratory problems especially bronchitis. Bring some pawpaw roots to boil and take ½ a glass thrice daily. For cough, simply chew a tender pawpaw root and swallow the juice.
NUTRITION
Papayas are an excellent source of vitamin C, and one single medium fruit provides 224 percent of recommended daily intake.
They also have B vitamins, alpha and beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamin E, calcium, potassium, vitamin K, and lycopene, the powerful antioxidant most commonly associated with tomatoes.
Side Effects Of Papaya and pawpaw
Consumption of papaya in normal amounts is recognized safe by FDA. However, there are certain side effects of consuming papaya.
Pregnant Women: Papaya is classified as being harmful during pregnancy. It is considered as a ‘hot’ fruit. Latex, present in high concentrations in raw and semi-ripe papayas, causes uterine contractions which might lead to abortions. Avoid eating raw papaya if you are pregnant.
Gastrointestinal Irritation: Consuming too many papayas can cause a powerful laxative effect in the intestines. Avoid eating large quantities of papaya, especially if it is in its raw form. Unripe or raw papaya can cause pain in the intestines or stomach and can sometimes cause esophageal perforations.
Seeds: The black seeds of the papaya contain traces of an enzyme called carpine, which is a potentially toxic substance. According to the International BioPark Foundation’s information about medicinal plants of the Peruvian Amazon, this enzyme can make the nerve centers numb, which could lead to paralysis or cardiac depression. In some cases, the narrowing of blood vessels is also seen, which is the caused due to carpine.
HOW CAN THEY BE EATEN
With the seeds removed, the papaya is ready to be eaten. If the fruit is fully ripe then the sweet papaya pulp should scoop out easily with a spoon and you can enjoy it as simply as this by the spoonful. For an extra touch of presentation try using a melon ball scoop instead.
Papaya is a soft, versatile fruit. This means it can be incorporated into many recipes. Consider the following simple methods of preparation:
Make a tropical fruit salad with fresh papaya, pineapple, and mango .
Muddle papaya into a glass of lemonade, iced or water for a burst of fresh fruity flavor.
Make a fresh salsa with papaya, mango, jalape red peppers, and chipotle pepper. Use as a topping for fish tacos.
Add a few slices of frozen papaya to smoothie Combine with pineapple juice, half a frozen
banana , and Greek yogurt for a sweet tropical treat.