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Review

Chilean Papaya (Vasconcellea pubescens): A Native Fruit with a High Health-Promoting Functional Potential

by
Roberto Lemus-Mondaca
1,*,
Luis Puente-Díaz
1,2,*,
Angélica Cifuentes
1,
Katherine Lizama
1 and
Paula González
1
1
Department of Food Science and Chemical Technology, Faculty of Chemical Sciences and Pharmaceutical, Universidad de Chile, St. Dr. Carlos Lorca 964, Independencia, Santiago 8380494, Chile
2
Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Antioxidants 2024, 13(12), 1521; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13121521
Submission received: 23 October 2024 / Revised: 9 December 2024 / Accepted: 11 December 2024 / Published: 12 December 2024
(This article belongs to the Section Natural and Synthetic Antioxidants)

Abstract

Papaya fruit is commonly known for its nutritional and medicinal value. It is a perennial, herbaceous, and trioecious cross-pollinated species with male, female, and hermaphrodite plants. The Chilean papaya, originating from South America, has been extensively spread throughout the Andean nations, cultivated primarily in the Coquimbo and Valparaíso valleys in Chile, between 34°41′ and 36°33′ latitude south. Its intense aroma, yellow color, and oblong shape characterize this fruit. It also stands out for its high content of carotenoids, vitamins, proteins, and polysaccharides, which make it a great functional food. Also, papaya contains bioactive compounds with antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing effects. For years, the fruit has been used to produce canned fruit, juice, and candies to satisfy the local market. Chilean papaya has significant economic importance, supplying both local and international markets. This review aims to consolidate the evidence-based information on the native Chilean papaya (Vasconcellea pubescens) as a food matrix. The fruit’s ripening process, nutritional composition, industrial applications, and health-promoting properties, including its antioxidant and antidiabetic effects, are thoroughly examined. Additionally, the extraction of papaya oil, encapsulation of bioactive compounds, industrial and artisanal processing techniques, and patents are explored, highlighting the diverse applications and potential benefits of this fruit.
Keywords: Chilean papaya; Vasconcellea pubescens; nutritional components; antioxidant; papaya latex Chilean papaya; Vasconcellea pubescens; nutritional components; antioxidant; papaya latex
Graphical Abstract

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MDPI and ACS Style

Lemus-Mondaca, R.; Puente-Díaz, L.; Cifuentes, A.; Lizama, K.; González, P. Chilean Papaya (Vasconcellea pubescens): A Native Fruit with a High Health-Promoting Functional Potential. Antioxidants 2024, 13, 1521. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13121521

AMA Style

Lemus-Mondaca R, Puente-Díaz L, Cifuentes A, Lizama K, González P. Chilean Papaya (Vasconcellea pubescens): A Native Fruit with a High Health-Promoting Functional Potential. Antioxidants. 2024; 13(12):1521. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13121521

Chicago/Turabian Style

Lemus-Mondaca, Roberto, Luis Puente-Díaz, Angélica Cifuentes, Katherine Lizama, and Paula González. 2024. "Chilean Papaya (Vasconcellea pubescens): A Native Fruit with a High Health-Promoting Functional Potential" Antioxidants 13, no. 12: 1521. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13121521

APA Style

Lemus-Mondaca, R., Puente-Díaz, L., Cifuentes, A., Lizama, K., & González, P. (2024). Chilean Papaya (Vasconcellea pubescens): A Native Fruit with a High Health-Promoting Functional Potential. Antioxidants, 13(12), 1521. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13121521

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