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Royal Star papayas are large, elongated fruits that are cylindrical but can be somewhat pear-shaped and measure around 20 centimeters long. Smaller than a Mexican papaya, each fruit can weigh between 1 and 2 pounds. The skin ripens from green to yellow and can develop orange or red coloring when fully mature. They are harvested when green and still underripe and will continue to ripen over the course of a few weeks. Royal Star papayas can be enjoyed even when half ripe, making when to determine ripeness a bit less of an issue. The bright, orange-red flesh is firm and juicy, offering a sweet, tropical flavor. The star-shaped seed cavity contains hundreds of small, edible, round black seeds.
Seasons/Availability
Royal Star papayas are available year-round.
Current Facts
Royal Star papayas are a new hybrid variety of Carica papaya. The Mexican-type papayas were introduced to the United States and Canadian markets in 2011. They are known for their smaller, more personal size, extremely sweet flavor, star-shaped seed cavity, and extended shelf life. Royal Star papayas will keep for twice as long compared to other varieties, making them easier to ship to greater distances.
Nutritional Value
Royal Star papayas are nutrient dense, high in beta-carotene and contain 212 amino acids and several important enzymes like papain. The fruits also contain high amounts of fructose, measuring 14 on the brix scale, making them one of the sweetest varieties. They are rich in vitamin C and are a good source of vitamin A, potassium and folate. The fruit contains vitamins E and K, all the essential B-complex vitamins and the minerals calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, manganese and selenium. They also provide nearly all the recommended daily intake of omega-6 fatty acids and are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, both of which are essential for brain and heart health.
Applications
Royal Star papayas are most often eaten raw, but they can also be cooked or baked into dishes. The fruits can be cut in half and sliced and eaten as is or diced and added to fresh salsas, green salads, fruit bowls or smoothies. Cubes can be dusted with tajin or chile powder and eaten as a snack. Diced Royal Star papaya can be used for a spicy chutney or the base for a compote or tart. Puree the flesh and make sauces or jams, beverages or cocktails. Add to baked goods or make into frozen desserts. Pair papaya with other tropical fruits, berries, chicken, strong cheeses, and nuts. Uncut Royal Star papayas will keep for up to 2 weeks. Cut fruit will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Royal Star papayas are grown by third generation farmers in Colima, Mexico and south Texas. The family, who live near the Mexican border have close ties to the community of Colima, where they have been growing the Mexican papayas for decades. In 2012 the farms were awarded a Global Food Safety certification, to guarantee the safety not only of their product, but also of their growing, shipping and storage facilities.
Geography/History
Royal Star papaya was discovered in 2007 in the small state of Colima, Mexico, located on the western central coast. They are a natural hybrid of the Mexican papaya and share some of the same characteristics. The fruits, and their seeds, are a proprietary selection from an Alamo, Texas-based company who also exclusively grows and distributes the papayas. Royal Star papayas are shipped to at least 2 dozen states in the United States and Canada and in 2013 they were first shipped to Spain, with the goal of eventually being available in Germany and Portugal.
Royal Star papaya are in season and available at Whole Foods market Union Square in New York City…Royal Star papayas are elongated fruits measuring about 20 centimeters long, smaller than Mexican papayas, and they typically weigh 1 to 2 pounds. Their skin ripens from green to yellow and may show orange or red tones when fully mature. They have juicy, orange-red flesh with a sweet, tropical flavor. These papayas can be eaten even when half ripe, and their star-shaped seed cavity holds hundreds of small, edible black seeds.
Royal Star papayas are versatile fruits that can be enjoyed raw or incorporated into cooked dishes. They pair well with tropical fruits, berries, chicken, strong cheeses, and nuts. These papayas can be used in salsas, salads, smoothies, and baked goods or made into chutneys, jams, or frozen desserts. To preserve your fruit, uncut papayas last up to 2 weeks, while cut ones stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Choice Produce & Peppers
Royal Star papayas, a Mexican-type variety introduced in 2011, are smaller, sweeter, and feature a star-shaped seed cavity. With an extended shelf life lasting twice as long as other papayas, they are perfect for shipping over long distances. These nutrient-rich fruits are packed with beta-carotene, vitamins C, A, E, and B-complex, as well as essential minerals and healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, making them beneficial for brain and heart health.
Royal Star papaya was discovered in 2007 in Colima, Mexico, and is a natural hybrid of the Mexican papaya. The fruits and seeds are proprietary to a Texas-based company, which exclusively grows and distributes them. These papayas are shipped to dozens of states across the U.S. and Canada, and export began in 2013 to Spain, with future plans for availability in Germany and Portugal.
Whole Foods Market
8003 turkey lake rd. Orlando 32819
407-355-7100
Royal Star papayas are cultivated by third-generation farmers based in Colima, Mexico, and southern Texas. These farmers have deep connections to the Colima community and have been growing Mexican papayas for decades. In 2012, their farms received a Global Food Safety certification, ensuring their products, as well as their growing, shipping, and storage practices, meet high safety standards.
Royal Star papayas ripen gradually after being harvested while still green, making them convenient to enjoy even when half-ripe. These fruits measure about 20 centimeters in length and weigh between 1 and 2 pounds. Their juicy, orange-red flesh delivers a sweet tropical flavor, and the star-shaped cavity inside contains hundreds of edible black seeds, adding a touch of versatility to your culinary experience.
Frank's Quality Produce
(206) 624-5666
Royal Star papayas can be enjoyed in a variety of ways—raw, cooked, or baked. They can be sliced for salads, diced into fresh salsas, or blended into smoothies. Their cubes pair well with tajin for a spiced snack or can serve as the base for chutneys, compotes, or tarts. The flesh can be pureed into sauces, jams, beverages, or desserts. When uncut, they last up to 2 weeks, while cut fruit must be refrigerated and consumed within 5 days.
4SeasonsBio
Nikis 30
View on Instagram
00302103229078 [email protected]
Royal Star papayas are a hybrid variety known for their star-shaped seed cavity, high sweetness, and extended shelf life, lasting twice as long as other papayas. Nutritionally, they are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and omega fatty acids supporting brain and heart health. These papayas also contain vital minerals like calcium, magnesium, and selenium, along with enzymes like papain.
Whole Foods Market
Austin Texas
Royal Star papaya was first discovered in Colima, Mexico, in 2007, blending characteristics of the Mexican papaya as a natural hybrid. Exclusive to an Alamo, Texas-based company, they are grown, distributed, and shipped to over 24 states in the United States and Canada. The fruit made its European debut in Spain in 2013, aiming for future availability in Germany and Portugal.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock st. San Diego CA 92101
View on Instagram
619 295 3172 [email protected]
Royal Star papayas are cultivated by third-generation farmers in Colima, Mexico, and South Texas. The farms received a Global Food Safety certification in 2012, ensuring the safety of their products as well as their growing, shipping, and storage practices. This certification highlights their dedication to high standards in food safety and reflects their strong ties to the local community in Colima, where papayas have been grown for decades.