4052 Papaya

"Nature's candy from the tropics!"

Papaya is a luscious and juicy tropical fruit with a soft, buttery consistency and a sweet musky flavor, known for its vibrant orange color and black seeds.

Also known as: Pawpaw, melon tree

Botanical name: Carica papaya

Quick Facts

PLU Code

4052 (4-digit conventional)

Category & Size

Fruits › Papaya/Pawpaw › Small

Origin

Southern Mexico and Central America

Storage Temperature

9 - 12°C (48 - 54°F)

Shelf Life

7-14 days

Status

Approved

About Papaya

Papayas are a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. They are often eaten fresh, used in smoothies, or added to salads.

Nutrition Information

The nutrition facts for papaya are as follows

Energy 208 kJ per 100 grams

Carbohydrates 10.3 grams per 100 grams

Fiber 1.7 grams per 100 grams

Sugars 7.3 grams per 100 grams

Protein 0.6 grams per 100 grams

Fat 0.1 grams per 100 grams

Water content 87 grams per 100 grams

Vitamin A 47 mcg per 100 grams

Vitamin C 61.8 mg per 100 grams

Potassium 375 mg per 100 grams

Folate 38 mcg per 100 grams

Manganese 0.1 mg per 100 grams

Storage & Handling

Store in well ventilated area, prevent physical injuries, and maintain high sanitation. Red or overripe papayas should be left at the room temperature to allow for softening. Unripe Papayas maintain the same conditions as the ripened ones

Optimal Storage Conditions:

Temperature: 9 - 12°C (48 - 54°F)

Humidity: 85 - 90 %

Packaging: For export, polyethylene or polypropylene covers or bags may be used to maintain humidity and reduce dehydration. At the retail end, papayas should not be wrapped in plastic or other airtight wrappings as this will lead to a more rapid respiration rate and increased chance of spoilage.

Shelf Life: 7-14 days

Storage Notes: Ethylene sensitivity: medium, Do not store with strong-odour commodity. Separated with apples or citrus because different ripeness indicator.

Related Produce

Commodity Details

Commodity Key:

papaya-pawpaw

Variety:

Regular

Created:

December 1999

Last Updated:

December 2023

PLU Code Reference

4-digit codes: Conventionally grown produce

5-digit codes starting with 9: Organic produce

5-digit codes starting with 8: Originally intended for GMO (rarely used)

PLU codes streamline checkout processes, improve inventory management, and provide consistency across different stores. The system was developed by the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS).

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