papaya (Gaslabu / Pappaali)

Generally papaya yields throughout the year. However, month following warm temperature or moisture stress causes skip in production. Papaya is cultivated in Sri Lanka primarily as a home garden crop. However, there is limited extent under commercial scale and this extent is steadily increasing but there is no significant increase in production. The reasons for these reductions may be due to some districts which are infected with virus under wet zone.
Health Benefits of Papayas

Papaya is not only a tasty fruit, but is also a rich source of a number of anti-oxidants such as flaunts, carotenes, Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Folate, fiber, potassium, magnesium, etc. All these nutrients promote the health of the cardiovascular system and provide a shield against a number of chronic diseases. Papaya also contains large units of papain, a digestive enzyme. This enzyme is often extracted from the fruit to make anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, and analgesic medicines.

Some of the health benefits associated with eating the fruit include:

Papain, present in the fruit aids in the digestion process

If consumed regularly over a period of time, papaya can cure a longstanding problem of constipation

Researchers believe that if the fruit is taken alone for a span of 3 days, it has beneficial tonic effect for the stomach and the intestines

The juice of papaya is believed to cure colon infections and in breaking down pus and mucus

The fruit may also prove beneficial in preventing cancer in organs and glands with epithelial tissue (ripe papaya)

Prevents nausea; includes morning sickness and motion sickness

The seeds of the fruit have antihelmintic properties for expelling worms, and are often given with honey. Two teaspoons of papaya seeds if chewed and swallowed after each meal have a wonderful effect on the stomach.

Papaya contains ample amounts of Vitamin C and Vitamin A, which are essential for the proper function of a healthy immune system

Various studies have shown that regular consumption of the fruit provides protection against Rheumatoid Arthritis

Eating papaya everyday also promotes lung health and is an ideal fruit for smokers.

Nutritive Values (per 100g edible portion)

Energy 32.8k cal

Major Growing Areas in Sri Lanka

Kurunegala district is the highest producer in the country. Kaluthara, Rathnapura, Gampaha, Galle, Anuradapura, Puttalam, Hambanthota and Badulla districts also have higher extents.