Papaya trees (Carica papaya) live fast and die hard… Just a few hours of sub-zero temperatures overnight can be lethal. This “vulnerability” makes sense, considering that papayas come from southern Mexico and Central America. They flourish in the tropics and subtropics, where individual trees can produce for up to six years.
Much to our surprise, we’ve even spotted papaya trees in hot, dry and decidely non-tropical parts of our country, where they seem to do well if properly watered and cared for.
It is fairly easy to grow this versatile and nutritious tropical crop in a home garden – and why wouldn’t you? Although papaya is most often associated with breakfast, salads, smoothies and desserts, we show off its versatility in the kitchen on page 110. The green fruit can be used as a vegetable or
