Papaya is a tropical fruit that belongs to the Carica papaya species in the Caricaceae family. It is not a deciduous shrub of the Rosaceae family as mentioned earlier.

There are two main types of papaya: the common papaya, also known as the "papaya" or "Carica papaya," and the "Xuan papaya" found in certain regions of China. The information provided about Xuan papaya being suitable only for medicinal purposes is not accurate.

Xuan papaya, also known as "unripe papaya," is commonly found in the southeast, southwest, and central China. Contrary to what was stated earlier, it is actually safe to eat raw Xuan papaya, and it is not solely used for medicinal purposes.

Xuan papaya does contain saponins, flavonoids, malic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, and vitamin C, which make it a valuable fruit for various health benefits. It is often used in traditional medicine to treat conditions such as rheumatic arthritis, lumbar and knee pain, swollen feet, and calf muscle spasms.

Additionally, Xuan papaya can aid in digestion and is known to have positive effects on indigestion. However, individuals with excessive stomach acid should consume Xuan papaya in moderation.

Papaya, regardless of its type, contains an enzyme called papain, which aids in protein digestion. This enzyme gives papaya its unique ability to strengthen the spleen and aid in food digestion. Furthermore, papaya contains papain and papain, which possess insecticidal properties and are used for their anti-tuberculosis effects.

Apart from these medicinal properties, papaya is also a rich source of essential nutrients and can effectively boost the body's immune system, promoting overall health. The papaya pulp, specifically, contains papain, which has been found to relieve spasms and provide therapeutic effects for conditions like gastrocnemius muscle spasms.

In terms of cooking papaya, there are several methods and recipes to enjoy this tropical fruit:

Raw Consumption: Ripe papaya fruits can be consumed raw by simply cutting them into slices or scooping out the flesh with a spoon. Ripe papaya has a sweet and tangy flavor, making it a refreshing snack or addition to fruit salads.

Drying: Ripe papaya fruits can be sliced and dried in the sun, creating papaya chips that can be stored and enjoyed as a snack.

Leaves: Papaya leaves can be harvested fresh or dried throughout the year for various uses. They are often used in herbal teas or as a natural remedy for certain health conditions.

Papaya Milk: Papaya milk is a popular beverage made from fresh papaya. To preserve the best flavor, it is recommended to consume it within 30 minutes in winter or 20 minutes in summer. Papaya milk is not only delicious but also believed to have beauty-enhancing effects.

Here's a recipe for Papaya Milk Coconut Juice:

Ingredients:

1/2 papaya

250cc fresh milk

1 tbsp honey

50cc coconut milk

1/2 cup crushed ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Peel and cut the papaya, removing the seeds. Cut it into small pieces.

2. Place all the ingredients in a juicer and blend for approximately 30 seconds.

3. Pour the mixture into a glass and serve.