4395 Papaya

"Tropical nutrition in every bite"

Juicy and rich in vitamins, the papaya is a versatile, tropical fruit that adds a sweet twist to cooking and fresh eating

Also known as: Mexican papaya, pawpaw

Botanical name: Carica papaya

Papaya illustration

Quick Facts

PLU Code

4395 (4-digit conventional)

Category & Size

FruitsPapaya/PawpawAll Sizes

Origin

Native to Central America and southern Mexico, now cultivated in many tropical parts of the world

Storage Temperature

10-13°C (50-56°F)

Shelf Life

7-14 days

Status

Approved

About Papaya

Papaya, also known as Carica papaya, is rich in vitamins A and C. The Mexican variety is often used for cooking and making salsa, guacamole, and other sauces. It has soft, buttery flesh with a musky, slightly sweet flavor, and smooth green or yellow skin, depending on the ripeness and variety

Nutrition Information

One medium-sized papaya typically weighs around 500-600 grams and has approximately 32 calories per 100 grams. The nutritional facts are as follows for 100 grams of papaya:

Energy 32 kcal

Protein 0.6 grams

Fat 0.1 grams

Carbohydrates 8 grams

Dietary fiber 1.7 grams

Sugar 6 grams

Sodium 8 milligrams

Potassium 555 milligrams

Vitamin A 47 micrograms

Folate 38 micrograms

Vitamin C 62 milligrams

Vitamin E 0.3 milligrams.

Storage & Handling

Papayas are a tropical fruit that require high humidity and moderate temperatures for optimal storage. They should be stored in well-ventilated containers to prevent moisture accumulation and ethylene buildup.

Optimal Storage Conditions:
Temperature: 10-13°C (50-56°F)
Humidity: 80-90%
Packaging: Ventilated containers
Shelf Life: 7-14 days
Storage Notes: Papayas continue to ripen after harvest, so they should be stored at a slightly cooler temperature to slow down ripening. Physical damage and fungal infections can cause significant loss, so careful handling is essential.

Search PLU Codes

Tags
4395PapayaCarica papayaAll SizesFruitsPapaya/PawpawApproved
Commodity Details
Commodity Key:
papaya-pawpaw
Variety:
Cooking/Mexican
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).