Tropical papaya, Carica papaya, was probably native to the tropical
lowlands of eastern Central America. It is known to have been cultivated
by the Aztecs and the Mayas, and spread south by various indigenous
groups. The original fruit was small, and easily grown from seed.
It quickly spread with the Spanish and Portuguese exploration and
colonization to the Caribbean, Africa, India and other locations
where tropical climate and soil allowed it to grow.
Description:
From its original small size, the papaya has evolved into species
which vary in size from ½ to 20 pounds in weight. In local
tropical markets, it grows quickly and produces heavily, making
it a popular and a reasonably priced fresh fruit. In other markets,
it has remained less accessible and more costly because the fresh
fruit can be easily damaged in handling.
At Bedemco, we look to make papaya more accessible as a dried
fruit, which can be incorporated into a variety of existing and
new products. It has an excellent sweet flavor and bright pink color,
and offers high nutritional value. One serving of papaya will meet
about 20% of an adult’s folate needs, and approximately 75%
of the daily vitamin C requirement. We offer dried papaya with and
without added sugar.
Harvest:
Papaya plants grow to 20 feet tall in cultivation, and begin bearing
fruit in 8-10 months. Fruit production occurs year round, with individual
fruit maturing in about 60 days.
Origin: