Although it is originally a native of Mexico, Payaya is a very popular fruit planted in Thailand. It has been grown in Southeast Asia since the 16th century.

Its soft-stemmed tree produces long yellow or orange fruit, rich in Vitamins A and C. The fruit is eaten raw as fruit or cooked.

The ripe fruit is often eaten with a few drops of freshly squeezed lime juice.

Papaya is a well-established component of Thai cuisine. Green papayas are pounded with shrimps, chilli and other ingredients to produce a famous Thai salad called “Som Tam”.

Papaya juice, contains the digestive enzyme papain, is also used for tenderizing meat in Thai cuisine.