Papain it's a very useful element. It's the enzyme that speeds up the processing of proteins and is responsible for the meat-tenderizing properties of papayas. This means it's great for digestion and makes this fruit a great side for meat dishes.

A single serving (1.5 ounces) of the product contain over 3 grams of dietary fiber as well as about 14 grams of carbohydrates.

Another important source of dried papaya benefits is antioxidants. The fruit is exceptionally rich in them, especially vitamins C and A.

• Dried Papaya Nutrition: Vitamins & Minerals Adding dried papaya to your morning cereal or smoothie is a fantastic idea because it's one of the best dry foods you can find. Just like raw papayas, the dehydrated version of the fruit is highly nutritious. It contains:
• Vitamin A
• B vitamins
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K
• Potassium
• Calcium
• Iron
• Zinc
• Magnesium
• Phosphorus

Phosphorus The amounts of some of these elements are rather small, but every milligram of an essential nutrient is important for maintaining a well-balanced diet. The best thing about dried papaya is that these precious vitamins and minerals come at almost 'no cost' as far as calories are concerned. You also shouldn't forget that dried papaya contains not only vitamins and minerals but potent phytonutrients as well. They are chemical variations of:

• Carotene
• Lutein
• Cryptoxanthin

All these elements are potent antioxidants. They are one of the main reasons that make papayas such fantastic fruits. All orange fruits and veggies are rich in carotenoids. Note that excessive consumption of these elements can cause a yellowing of soles and palms. The yellowing is mostly caused by carrots, over 90% more carotenoids than papayas.

Should You Eat Dried Papaya or Fresh Papaya

Papaya fruit is good for you no matter whether it's dried or fresh. However, it's true that raw produce contains more essential nutrients. The process of dehydration, regardless of the technology used, destabilizes chemical connections in the vitamins and minerals. Vitamins A and C are the 'weakest' when it comes to the dehydration process.

The good news is that papayas contain so much of them that even after drying they remain an extremely valuable snack.

Dried Papaya Calories: Is It a Good Snack

Dried papaya is a great snack for everyone who wants a delicious bite. This food can be included into any diet because it's low in both fats and calories. Unsweetened dried papaya only has about 20 calories in 1.5 ounces. As this fruit contains natural sugar, it tastes good even without any syrups.

Note that sweet dried papaya might contain as much as 140 calories per a single serving. Choosing a 100% natural product without additives.

Dried papaya is a great ingredient to have in your kitchen as you can incorporate it in many recipes. To start your day with this tasty fruit, you can add it to your granola or cereal.

For lunch, you can enjoy a papaya salad. Mix it with either fruits or veggies depending on your preferences. It'll go well with any fruits or lettuce, avocado, and cherry tomatoes.

This ingredient adds a bit of an exotic flare to any curry and usually works well in sauces. Food To Live Organic Dried Papaya has no sugar except for the natural. If you want to have it sweeter, you can make some candied papaya. You can also enjoy right from the pack as a quick snack.

Low-Calorie Mango + Dried Papaya Bites

• ½ ripe mango (chopped into small chunks)
• 1 ½ cups dried papayas (chopped)
• ¾ cup rolled oats

1. Process the oats in a blender for a few seconds before adding dried papaya and processing them together.
2. Form the 'dough' into small balls and flatten them.
3. Put a chunk of mango in the middle of each papaya disk and cover it with the dough. Add a bit of water into the papaya+oats mix if necessary.

Keep these delicious vegan papaya bites in the fridge. They would make an excellent snack when you need a bit of extra power or a mood boost. This treat tastes amazing and it's low-calorie by default. You can replace the mango with any other fruit or berry. You can also use nuts, either as a part of the dough or the 'filling'. However, this will increase the calorie count of the bites.

How Long Does Dried Papaya Last

If you wonder if you can buy dried papaya in bulk, the answer is definitely 'yes'. This product keeps extremely well and it's undemanding in terms of storage. Dried fruits don't spoil if they are stored correctly in an airtight container.

You'll be able to enjoy Organic Dried Papaya from Food To Live for many months. If you store it in the fridge, it'll remain as good as new for up to a year. However, you can keep the fruits in your pantry as well. Just remember they should stay away from heat and direct sunlight.

You can freeze dried fruits like any other food. This will extend their shelf life to 2+ years. However, they can't be refrozen, so be sure to defrost only small portions and use them immediately.

Please, bear in mind that despite the fact that dried fruits don't go bad, their nutritional value diminishes with time. Therefore, eating your Organic Dried Papayas before the 'best by' date is indeed best.