The papaya, papaw, or pawpaw is the plant species Carica papaya, one of the 21 accepted species in the genus Carica of the family Caricaceae. Papaya contains dietary fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, and E. It also contains a small amount of calcium, iron, riboflavin, thiamine, and niacin. Pawpaw is very rich in antioxidant nutrients flavonoids and carotenes; very high in vitamin C plus A, and low in calories and sodium.