Thai Fruit Primer

Papaya (Ma-la-ko) Scientific name: Carica papaya L. Season: All Year

Originally the Papaya was a native plant of Mexico. The papaya has been grown in Southeast Asia since the 16th century. and the long yellow or orange fruit, is a well-established ingredient in Thai cuisine.

Green papayas are sliced into thin strips and ground together with dried shrimp, garlic, and hot chilies to produce a fiery salad called som tam.

The ripe fruit is often eaten with a few drops of freshly squeezed lime juice.