Carica Papaya L.
Smaller, rounder, and a little firmer than the Maradol variety, Hawaii papaya is usually eaten fresh, cut in half and served with or without seeds, which have high fiber content. When ripe, the orange pulp becomes soft and very sweet. It is also good in Saladas de frutas (Brazilian- style fruit salads) and Vitaminas (Brazilian-style smoothies). The Northeast, especially Bahia, stands out as one of the largest papaya producing regions in the country.
