Papayas are still a small part of overall produce sales, they do play an important role in creating a well-rounded tropicals category that can attract shoppers looking for something out of the ordinary. Place papayas next to mangoes, bananas, pineapples and coconuts to create a large tropicals display.
Shipping
22-lb. cartons 10-lb. cartons RPC – NA Counts range from 6 to 14
Handling
Temperature: 50 to 55 F, 10 to 12.8 C Relative humidity: more than 80% Mist: no Typical shelf life: 3 to 5 days Ethylene producer (Do not store or transport ethylene-sensitive items with commodities that produce ethylene.) Susceptible to chilling injury (Damage sometimes is not apparent until produce is returned to a warmer temperature.) Papayas ripen in two to three days when held at temperatures between 55 to 65 F, 12.8 to 18.5 C. Never store a papaya that is less than half ripe below 45 F, 7 C. Lower temperatures stop the ripening process. When ripe, the fruit can be refrigerated.
One medium papaya = 1¼ to 1½ cups peeled, sliced, seeded fruit
