Papayas, also called papaws or pawpaw, grow in tropical climates. They are sweet, vibrantly colorful, and contain a wide array of health benefits. Once considered exotic and rare, papayas are now available almost everywhere and at all times during the year.
Papayas are soft and fleshy and are used in a lot of ways to help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, improve blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure, aid in digestion, and help with wound healing. This fruit is mostly found in Mexico but can also grow naturally in the Caribbean and Florida. Interestingly, India produces the most papayas, at over 5 million tons a year.