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Papaya Market Summary

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Image: KoBoZaa/Shutterstock.com

Papaya Market Overview

Papaya (Carica papaya), reportedly called the fruit of the angels by Columbus, was first cultivated in Central and South America. India, Brazil, and Mexico are among the top producers, yet papaya is grown and shipped to a lesser degree from Hawaii, California, Florida, and other countries.
Contrary to popular belief, papaya does not grow on a tree but from a large herbaceous plant that can reach up to 30 feet in height.
It is often called pawpaw in other parts of the world, but should not be confused with North American asimina fruit, which has a banana-mango flavoring.
Other papaya name variants include kepaya, lechosa, mamao, mamona, mikana, milikana, papaia, and 堯梗i.
Along with its succulent flesh, the fruits gelatinous round black seeds are edible and have a strong, peppery flavor. The fruits leaves are edible as well: in Southeast Asia they are cooked and eaten like spinach.
Papaya Seasonal Availability Chart

Types & Varieties of Papaya

Varieties are often classified as Hawaiian or Mexican; Solo is the most widely known Hawaiian cultivar, weighing a pound or two with yellow skin and orange or pink flesh when ripe. Mexican varieties tend to be significantly larger.
Pear-shaped or round, papaya can grow up to 20 inches in length and weigh up to 20 pounds. Popular varieties in Hawaii (other than Solo) include Kapoho, Sunrise, and Waimanolo.
Other worldwide variations and hybrids have included the following: Bettina, Brazilian Formosa, Burliar Long, Gold Cross, Higgins, Honey Gold, Hong Kong, Linda, Maradol, Mountain, Pusa, Red Queen, Rainbow, Santa Cruz Giant, Singapore Pink, Sunnybank, Tainung, Washington, Wilder, Yarwun Yellow, and Zapote.

Cultivation of Papaya

Papaya is grown from seeds in well-drained soil, with protection from strong winds. Proper irrigation is necessary for young plants to thrive in the first year, less is needed for subsequent years. Most plants last 3 or 4 years, though yields will vary due to climate, soil type, and cultivar.
Fruit is harvested when full-sized and mature, with light green coloring. Some varieties will turn yellow with ripening. Maturity is measured by latex: when it becomes less milky and more watery, fruit is ready for picking.

Pests & Diseases Affecting Papaya

Papayas imported into the United States are quarantined for a number of pests including ants, aphids, leafhoppers, mealybugs, Mediterranean fruit flies, melon flies, moths, nematodes, scale, thrips, webworms, and whiteflies.
Several types of mites also pose problems, including broad mites (favoring seedlings and young leaves), flat mites (feeding on fruit), Tuckerellid mites (plant trunks), as well as Texas, spider, and red mites (mature leaves).
Diseases affecting plants include anthracnose, blight, internal yellowing, mosaic, necrosis, powdery mildew, ring-spot virus, root knot, many forms of rot (root, soft, stem, fruit), various types of spot (black, chocolate, dry, wet), wilt, and yellow strap leaf.


Storage & Packaging of Papaya

Storing at 85簞F with high humidity for up to 48 hours can enhance color and ripeness. Cooling will stop the ripening process for unripe fruit.
The optimal temperature range for storing fully ripe papaya is from 45 to 55簞F. Papaya does produce ethylene and is sensitive to both water and ice.
Currently, there are no established grades for papaya, nor are there published U.S. or Canadian good arrival guidelines.
References: Purdue University, University of Florida/IFAS Extension, University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service, USDA.

Papaya Retail Pricing: Conventional & Organic
Papaya Retail Pricing: Conventional & Organic Chart