Papayuelo Fruit plant (Carica goudotiana)

Papayuelo (Carica goudotiana)

Botanical Name: Carica goudotiana

General Information:

Type: Sparsely branched shrub or small tree

Height: Rarely more than 5 m tall

Native: Andes mountains, Colombia, Ecuador, northern Peru

Leaves: Large, palmate leaves on thick branches

Fruit: Yellow to red, angled fruits

Sizeable and reportedly have a sweet flavor resembling an apple

Edible fruits gathered from the wild or seen in local markets

Can be eaten fresh, made into jams, or used as juices

Health Benefits: Reduced risk of heart disease,  Diabetes management, Cancer prevention, Aid in digestion, Improved blood glucose control in people with diabetes, Lowering blood pressure, Enhanced wound healing.

Culinary Uses:

Spherical to cylindrical in form

75 to 500 mm (3 to 20 inches) or more in length

Sometimes weighs as much as 9 to 11.5 kg (20 to 25.5 pounds)

Very juicy flesh, deep yellow or orange to salmon-colored

Round, wrinkled black seeds along the walls of the central cavity

Unripe fruit contains papain, a protein-digesting enzyme used in remedies for indigestion and meat tenderizers

Cultivation Information:

Bloom Time/Fruiting: 2 to 3 Years

Maintenance Required: Moderate