El Niño causing anomalies in golden papaya production

North America’s premier papaya importer is reporting an unusually large volume of small Golden Papayas, which is the effect of the current El Niño conditions in Brazil. The unprecedented drought in the growing region has dampened the growth in the papayas, which in turn are showing a high sugar content and intense sweet flavor due to the small size.

HLB Specialties is a large importer of Brazilian papayas into the U.S. and Canada. According to Caliman Agricola, HLB’s main Brazilian Papaya supplier and one of the world’s largest Papaya grower and exporter, the state of Espirito Santo normally receives between 900-1200mm of rain per year. In 2015 the precipitation levels did not reach 600mm, which places a strain on the production. 

“In spite of our growers’ sophisticated irrigation system, nothing replaces natural rain fall, and the fruits are ripening before they grow to the usual size,” explains Lorenz Hartmann de Barros, Director of Sales at HLB Specialties. Commercial Golden Papaya production concentrates in sizes 8, 9, and 10, with fruit weighing on average between 15-12oz respectively. “Those sizes normally make up 80% of the production, but currently the growers are seeing over 50% of the crop yield in sizes 10 and 12, which weigh between 12-10oz,” adds Mr. Hartmann de Barros. 

This smaller fruit is showing exceptionally sweet flavor, since it is maturing faster under high temperatures, dry conditions with low humidity. “Now is the right time to try Brazilian Caliman Papayas, because they are very sweet, with a pleasant aroma, and as always, extremely healthy,” adds Mr. Hartmann de Barros. Papayas are one of the healthiest fruit known, in part because they are loaded with essential vitamins that are required by the body, but not produced by the body. One cup provides 144% of the recommended daily value (DV) of vitamin C and 31% DV of vitamin A. The enzyme papain is unique to papayas and it helps break down protein in the body. It is therefore an excellent digestive aid, perfect after a heavy meal or for people who suffer from indigestion. Caliman Papayas are FairTrade Certified and non-GMO. 

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Melissa Hartmann de Barros