




Strawberry Papaya (Sunrise)
Inventory, 10 ct : 0
Description/Taste
Strawberry papayas average between 22-26 ounces and have an elongated pear shape. When ripe, the smooth leathery skin turns a golden-orange color and is occasionally dotted with green speckles. The inner flesh is salmon pink and surrounds an oblong seed cavity that is filled with numerous small, shiny, black, inedible seeds. The shallower seed cavity is less deeply indented than other papayas, which allows for easier seed removal. The firm juicy flesh of the Strawberry papaya is sweeter than any other variety and has an acidity that is lower than most. It boasts flavors of peaches, melon and berries.
Seasons/Availability
Strawberry papaya are available year-round.
Current Facts
The Strawberry papaya, also known as the Sunrise papaya, is a variety known botanically as Carica papaya. Papayas are generally categorized as either Mexican, which are quite large and have a subtler flavor, or Hawaiian, which are smaller and much sweeter. The Strawberry papaya is a Hawaiian variety that resulted from the hybridization of the Solo papaya, a strain prized for its reddish-orange and extremely sweet flesh.
Nutritional Value
Strawberry papayas are an excellent source of beta carotene and vitamins A, C, E and K. They have moderate amounts of folate, potassium and dietary fiber. A beneficial enzyme, papain, is present in papaya and is believed to aid digestion.
Applications
Strawberry papayas have a bold color and bright flavor that is best exhibited when eaten raw. Serve cut in half and stuffed with other tropical fruits or dice and add to salads. Pureed or juiced papaya may be used as a meat tenderizer but only for short marinade times as proteins tend to break down and develop a grainy texture. To ripen green fruits, keep at room temperature three to five days and later store refrigerated for up to one week. Complimentary flavors include bananas, coconut, kiwi, citrus, mango, passionfruit, pineapple, ginger, cinnamon, vanilla, cilantro, black pepper, shrimp, prosciutto, cashews and macadamia nuts.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Consuming unripe Strawberry papayas can cause pregnant women to go into early labor or even miscarry. Also, those with latex allergies should avoid all types of papaya as allergic reaction may occur.
Geography/History
The Strawberry papaya was created at the University of Hawaii in 1961 when the 'Kariya', a yellow fleshed papaya was bred with 'Line 9' solo strain, a red fleshed papaya. The result was two new brilliantly colored cultivars that were appropriately named Sunrise (Strawberry) and Sunset. Slightly larger than its sister, the Sunrise (Strawberry) papaya ripens approximately one week later and can grow in both tropical and subtropical climates worldwide.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Strawberry Papaya (Sunrise). One
