Papaya is a tropical, tree-like plant found commonly in the Western Ghats of India that grows to a height of 15-30 ft with a single stem. The large (20-30in) leaves as well as the fruit grow up the central stalk in a spiral fashion.

The fruit is orange-yellow in color and a rich source of nutrients such as Vitamin A, B and C. It also helps in digestion. Unripe papaya can be cooked in curries. salads and stews. Some prepare jellies from this too. ‘Mor Kolambu’ is a famous curry in Kerala cuisine featuring unripe papaya. The leaves can also be steamed and eaten like spinach and some make them into tea as a treatment for Malaria.