PAPAYA and papaw growers are facing a record season harvest thanks to above average growing conditions.
Spring is one of the peak harvesting periods and picking is underway to keep up with the flush of fruit.
Papaya Australia president Gerard Kath said minimal rain, warm and dry temperatures,
and generally favourable conditions have seen some heavy fruiting.
"The last two winters have been mild for us, so we’re set for the heaviest spring crop on record," Mr Kath said.
Red papaya and yellow papaw are predominately grown in the warmer tropical climates of Far North Queensland areas of Tully, Innisfail to Mossman, and Mareeba with new plantings in Lakeland as well as in the Northern Territories and Western Australia.
Although sometimes confused, the two fruits are distinguished by red papaya often being
pear-shaped with orange to red flesh and a sweet flavour, while yellow papaw is more cylindrical and rounder, with yellow flesh and a less sweet flavour.
In order to reinforce the health appeal of papaw and papaya, Papaya Australia has involved dietician Caitlin Reid to extol the nutritional benefits of the fruits.
“From assisting the immune system to digestive wellbeing to being a great choice during
pregnancy, papaya and papaw are a great health all-rounder,” Ms Reid said.
Both papaya and papaw contain antioxidants that aid immune system health, as well as containing soluble and insoluble fibre, high vitamin C and folate.
