250gm Pack Fresh Tender Papaya Leaves | Erandakarkati Leaves | Papita | Mamao | Australian known Pawpaw Leaves | Tree melon leaves | immunity booster

Current Facts

Papaya leaves, botanically classified as Carica papaya, grow on a small single stemmed tree that can grow up to ten meters in height and is a member of the Caricaceae family. Also known as Pawpaw and Papaw in Australia and the West Indies, Papaya trees grow in tropical climates around the world, recognized by their scar marked stem, and all parts of the tree including the fruit, seeds, and leaves can be consumed. Papaya leaves are a lesser known part of the Papaya tree, shadowed by the fruit, and are used medicinally in teas to aid in digestion.

Nutritional Value

Papaya leaves contain calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese, and vitamins A, B, C, E, and K.

Applications

Papaya leaves are best suited for cooked applications such as boiling. Commonly boiled and steeped into a tea or tonic, Papaya leaves are a popular medicinal ingredient to assist with digestion. They can also be boiled to remove bitterness and are consumed similar to spinach or are crushed and used to help tenderize meat. In Africa, the stems of Papaya leaves are peeled, grated, and juiced. The mash of the stems is then served with sugar and salt. In addition to culinary applications, Papaya leaf extract can be found in tablet, powder, and tincture form for medicinal use. Fresh Papaya leaves should be used immediately. Once juiced or made into tea, the liquid from the leaves will last up to five days in the refrigerator.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

Rural communities in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and India use Papaya leaf juice and sap to treat a variety of ailments such as joint pain, eye infections, gastric issues. In some Asian communities, the leaves are rolled up into cigar-like shapes and are smoked, rumored but not proven, to be helpful with asthma. Papaya leaves are also used in these communities for prevention and reduction of symptoms associated with malaria and dengue fever.