Pawpaw, from the caricaceae family ( species Carica papaya ), is native to southern Mexico and Central America. The plant is a fast-growing , short-lived tree that reaches 3 to 10 meters high with a hollow, straight trunk about 20-30 cm thick. Its massive, deeply lobed leaves grow on long stalks and are clustered at the top, measuring up to 70cm wide. The fruit is oval or pear-shaped, with smooth green to orange skin and soft, orange flesh filled with small black seeds. Papaya is rich in vitamin C, folate, and the enzyme papain, which supports digestion, inflammation relief, and immune function. It’s eaten fresh, blended into smoothies, or used in savory salads like Thai som tam. Store green papayas at room temperature to ripen; once ripe, they should be kept chilled and consumed within days. The seeds are edible in small amounts and have a peppery flavor used as a spice.