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Papayas have become one of the many tropical fruits gaining popularity recently. The US is the largest importers of Papaya.
When the fruit is green and hard it is loaded in white latex. Like most tropical fruit, as it ripens, it changes color and its thick wall of flesh becomes fragranced, it is yellow, orange or various shades of red. It is juicy, sweet and somewhat like a cantaloupe in flavor; in some types rather musky. |
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The fruit (and leaves) holds papain, helping digestion and is used to tenderize meat. The seeds are edible and have a spicy flavor somewhat suggestive of black pepper. There are two types of Papaya, Hawaiian and Mexican.
GFE Global chose Papaya for our Costa Rica project, because of its value in the world marketplace and Costa Rica being optimal conditions. Although we do not intercrop papaya with Jatropha, under favorable conditions (Costa Rica) Papaya is a fast growing product and highly productive, thus providing a source of income to a farm while growing Jatropha. Papayas have demanding climate requirements for vigorous growth and fruit production. As always, consideration including soil, irrigation, weather, labor, social and political structure, and regulations were carefully assessed prior to selecting Papaya for our sustainable farming solution in Costa Rica. |
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