Extracting

• According to the the Schumacher Centre, papain is extracted from the papaya fruit before the fruit reaches full maturity. A stainless steel or plastic knife is used to make vertical cuts in the papaya fruit in order to extract the papain. The liquid that comes out of the cuts is put into a clean container with a tight fitting top. Once the container of papain is sealed, it is stored in a cool, dark, dry location until the freeze-drying process. This dry, dark location ensures the enzyme activity is retained in the extract.
  
  

Freeze-Drying

• After extraction, the papain is dried in one of several ways: sun drying, spray drying, oven drying and freeze drying. According to the Cuddon freeze-dry website, freeze-drying is the best drying method for retaining the benefits of extracts. Commercial companies use machines for the freeze-drying process. The extract is frozen and then the temperature of the extract lowered. Then a special vacuum is used to remove the liquid from the papain extract. The extraction of the liquid during the freeze-drying process turns the extract into a powdered form.
  
  

Storing

• The powdered extract is stored easily in a cool, dark location with a tightly sealed cover. The freeze-dried papain does not lose its active enzymes in powdered form. The extract is used in foods and drinks and for medicine purposes. The shelf life of freeze-dried papain is two years when stored correctly, according to the Zhongbei Northland Bio-Chem Industry Co., Ltd, which manufactures organic papain powder.
  
  

Health Benefits

• Papain is used for maintaining a healthy immune system. It is also known to convert proteins into essential amino acids according to Naturalfoods.com. Naturalfoods.com claims the following additional benefits of papain powder if added to your daily food and drink intake: protects against urinary track infections, eliminates parasites in the body, calms stomach upsets, improves heart health and fights infections.