— LEAVES
Papaya leaves
Besides the fruit, the leaves of the papaya tree are also edible. The taste is quite bitter and can be processed as a vegetable. In Mexico, meat is often baked in papaya leaves to make the meat more tender. The leaves are also widely used as medicine, for example by processing them in tea.
Origin
The papaya tree originates from Mexico, but is now grown throughout South and Central America, such as in the tropical island, the Dominican Republic.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
How to store
Papaya leaves are best kept in the refrigerator.
How to eat
Papaya leaves can best be boiled for 30 minutes to reduce the bitter taste. After that you can stir-fry the leaves with, for example, some sambal and garlic. The leaves are also used to make herbal tea. Bring the water to a boil, add the papaya leaves and let them cook for a while. Then pour the water into a tea glass, add some honey and drink. In Mexico, the leaves are often used to cook meat.
