Babaco

[Magaret]

A small tropical tree with large palmate leaves which is a naturally occurring hybrid of the genus Vasconcellea (family Caricaceae), originating in Ecuador but cultivated elsewhere. Also: the large, edible, five-sided marrow-shaped fruit of this plant, with a bright yellow rind and pale, usually seedless flesh, which is eaten raw or used for juice.

[Dianne]

This fruit indigenous to Ecuador, ranges from 8 to 12 inches long and about 4 inches in diameter. The skin, which is entirely edible, turns from green to golden yellow as it ripens. Babaco is best eaten raw, contains triple the amount of papain than found in papaya, and is a good source of vitamins A and C.