What is papain?

By Chelsie Vandaveer

July 1, 2003

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The papaya (Carica papaya Linnaeus) is believed native to the lowland tropics of southern Mexico and Central America. Papayas or tree melons are now grown in every tropical country. The huge fruit comes from female trees grown on plantations, but for all the papayas produced in the world market, very few find their way to the produce section of stores. Papayas are mainly grown for their proteolytic (breaks bonds in proteins) enzyme, papain [pa pay' in].

Print Depicting the Papaya Plant and Fruit
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The fully grown, but unripe fruit are tapped for the latex. Two or three vertical incisions are made in the fruit and a bag is slipped over it to collect the dripping latex. Once tapping begins, the plantation is 'under the gun'--the latex must be collected and processed before the enzyme degrades and is useless.

The latex is whisked to make the mixture homogeneous and filtered through cotton muslin to remove naturally-occurring wax and any foreign matter before oven drying. Or it may be filtered, centrifuged to concentrate the enzyme, and sprayed through a nozzle to dry. The resulting flakes or powder is tested for its enzyme activity and, if it meets industry standards, is exported to the end users. ("Papain", ADC Commercialisation Bulletin #13, March 2000)

For home use, papain is most readily recognized as a natural meat tenderizer. It is found in stain-removing detergents for fine fabrics like silk. It removes foreign proteins including bacteria from soft contact lenses. It is in toothpastes and facial-cleansing creams. In the food industry, papain enhances the flavors of food and stabilizes beer, wine, and flour. It separates milk solids from the liquids in the first stage of making cheeses.

In the clothing industry, it prevents wool fibers from shrinkage and removes the hair from hides before tanning. In the medical industry, papain is used to break-down the proteins in insect and jellyfish venom. It accelerates wound-healing and prevents scarring especially after injuries or surgery of the cornea. ("Papain", Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, 2003)

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia has a photograph of a female papaya tree with fruit and more information. To view the photograph, click on the link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papaya

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Blown glass dessert goblets, 'Sapphire' (set of 6)

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Smooth sapphire gently flows like the soft currents of a lazily moving river. Javier and Efrén design and craft this exceptional set, the ideal complement to a delicious dessert.

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Customer Reviews of Javier and Efren

I am a collector of unusual and fine glass and crystal. I purchased the Canteras Salad bowl and received it within two weeks in perfect condition. I am extremely delighted with the bowl. It has met my full expectation as Mexican art glass. It will now serve as a centerpiece for my diningroom table. The service by Novica has been helpful and efficient. I will be sampling the works of other artists but will definitely be adding more Canteras pieces to my collection. Bravo!
- William T. Eldridge, Ft. White, FL./United States

I was so impressed with the beautiful glass Efren Canteras makes that I gave the Salad bowls and Serving bowls (such a lovely color) to three different couples for wedding gifts. I included a copy of the Efren Canteras biography with each gift. I did not need to specially wrap the boxes -as there was a charming bow and tissue paper covering inside the sturdy shipping box. I have also purchased several pitchers for myself-each is a work of art and a joy to use. I sent my mother a fruit bowl-tortise shell look (and had to order another to keep for myself!) She has always admired art glass-particularly northern-European abstract art glass- but has never felt she could afford the pieces she really liked. She LOVED the bowl and could not imagine how I could afford to import such a fantastic piece. When I explained how Novica worked, she was delighted. The piece sits on her dining room table-as a center piece. My mother is now a "collector" of the glass she has so long admired and no longer feels intimidated by the "art-buying process" thanks to Novica and Efren Canteras.
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I just received another order of beautiful handblown glasses made by Javier and Efren. These glasses are more like works of art than mere drinking vessels. I look forward to enjoying them for years to come. Thank you both for your efforts - we really appreciate your talents!
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100% alpaca wool wrap, 'Luna Negra'

NOVICA®

Nestor Yana designs a generous cape edged with feminine ruffles. The flowing wrap is crafted of fine alpaca wool from the Peruvian highlands. Renowned for its softness and warmth, alpaca brings a sensation of luxury to winter fashion.

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Customer Reviews of Nestor Yana

I just received my wool cape and it's beautiful. Thank you Mr. Yana for sharing your talent with all of us. The quality of this cape is outstanding. Very soft and the picture does not do it justice. Novica, thank you again for your speedy service and for your great customer service. They are always there to help answer questions that you might have. It's truly amazing how we can receive, in just a few days, such beautiful work from such talented artists. From Eugene, Oregon, USA, to the Peruvian Andes, thank you once again for this amazing cape.
- P B, Eugene, OR USA

I am so HAPPY with my growing Nestor Yana hat collection! The hats are beautiful, well-made, and well-priced. GRACIAS, Sr. Yana!! I hike every morning, and I now hope it's cold outside so I can wear one of my hats! I am an artist, and I love what this company is doing to help keep local arts alive. I also really appreciate the personal note and gift wrapping with each purchase. Thank you, Novica and Novica artists! XOXOXO
- Leslie Maendl, California, USA

I just received the alpaca sweater by Nestor Yana that I bought for my father. I'm sure he'll love it. I'd say the colors are out of this world, except that they're most definitely "of the earth", beautiful natural-looking browns, rusts, and greens. The texture of the fabric is wonderful too, lightweight and so soft. Even the buttons are really nice bone-colored ones, and the whole effect is very harmonious. I really appreciate the work that went into it, and will look for other items from this artist when buying a gift. Thanks so much!
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Ilaria gathers a series of gleaming chains into a wonderfully intricate design. Set with black and translucent obsidian, they link with lacy blossoms. This extravagant choker embodies the designer's feminine spirit.

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Customer Reviews of Ilaria

Ilaria, your work is sensational- I love it all I am now the proud owner of Amethyst choker, 'Violet Teardrop' which I adore, and matching earings Opal and quartz necklace, 'Earth Song' which I have been awaiting new stock for a little while I have just ordered- it looks amazing. I have also ordered Amazonite necklace, 'Reign of Sparrows' which again looks stunning. You are a very talented artist and I am drawn to your work. When looking through all the jewellary every piece I think - I love that it is yours. Thank you Caroline
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