Papaya

Vietnamese Papaya

Vietnamese "đu đủ" is a large, cylindrical-shaped fruit that displays a vibrant green color when unripe. Once it ripens and reaches a soft texture similar to that of an avocado, its skin transitions to a spectrum of orange, revealing a reddish flesh filled with numerous small black seeds.

Papaya holds significant cultural importance in Southern Vietnam. The word for papaya phonetically resembles the term for sufficiency, making it a symbol of abundance. It is commonly displayed during the Tet holiday as a wish for a prosperous and joyful year ahead.

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How to Eat Papaya

Ripe papaya is typically enjoyed raw. To prepare it, peel the skin and remove the black seeds, as they can contain small amounts of substances that may disrupt your digestive system if consumed in large quantities.

You can create a refreshing smoothie by blending ripe papaya with sugar, milk, and other fruits such as bananas, avocados, and pineapples.

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Where is Papaya Grown in Vietnam

Papaya is predominantly cultivated in the southern regions of Vietnam, particularly in provinces like Sóc Trăng, Vĩnh Long, Đồng Tháp, as well as in various cities throughout the Mekong Delta. This fruit is available year-round, but the sweetest, most flavorful papayas are harvested and sold during the Tet holiday.

For those interested in purchasing this delightful fruit, ripe papayas can be found at supermarkets in major cities or at local street stalls in rural areas, usually priced at around 30,000 - 40,000 VND/kg in 2025.

What are the Benefits of Papaya

Papaya is known for its high beta-carotene content, which converts into vitamin A in the body, offering benefits such as cancer prevention and improving vision.

This fruit is also abundant in vitamins and essential nutrients that aid in blood regulation, boost the immune system, and promote skin rejuvenation. Consuming papaya can be beneficial during both summer and winter months. However, excessive consumption may lead to potential health issues like jaundice and elevated blood sugar levels.

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Many people incorporate ripe papaya into stews, as it helps tenderize meats and bones while enhancing digestibility.

Food Made from Papaya

In Vietnamese cuisine, green papaya is utilized in various dishes, including stews with beef ribs or chicken bones, as well as in green papaya jam, green salads, stir-fried chicken hearts, and dried beef salad.

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The Muong ethnic group also incorporates papaya flower buds into their meals, creating dishes such as papaya flower salad with wild eggplant, boiled papaya flower with fermented shrimp paste, and stir-fried beef with papaya flowers. One of the most renowned dishes featuring papaya flowers is the garlic-fried variety, which offers a distinct flavor, albeit with a slightly bitter aftertaste.