papaya

Large palmlike plant (; family Caricaceae), cultivated throughout the tropics and warm subtropics, and its succulent juicy fruit. A popular breakfast fruit in many countries, it is also used in salads, pies, sherbets, juices, and confections. The juice of the unripe fruit contain an enzyme that is useful in various remedies for indigestion and in meat tenderizers.

Find more information on papaya. Upgrade to Britannica Online for more on papaya.