PAPAYA, DICED (F17)

Native to the tropics, papayas can now be found growing in Hawaii, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Florida and Southern California. The oblong, melon-like fruit grows on a large, tree-like plant. The ripe fruit is most often eaten raw, and the spicy, edible black seeds are sometimes ground and used as a substitute for black pepper. Papaya contains a group of enzymes, collectively called papain, that help break down protein. As a result, eating papaya after a meal can aid in digestion.