Origin and history
Papaya is the fruit of the papaya tree, a tropical tree native to Central America, probably Mexico or southern Nicaragua. Pre-Columbian peoples already consumed it for its digestive and nutritional benefits. Introduced to the tropical regions of Africa and Asia in the 16th century, papaya quickly became a universal health fruit. Christopher Columbus nicknamed it "the fruit of angels" because of its soft, melting flesh. Today, it is recognized as much for its nutritional qualities as for its digestive and antioxidant benefits.