The Thai Papaya (Red Flesh), also known as the Sunrise papaya or Sunset papaya, is a delicious and vibrant tropical fruit prized for its sweet, juicy flesh and distinctive reddish-orange color. Here’s a closer look at this unique papaya variety:
Thai papayas are elongated ovoid in shape, with smooth, thin skin that transitions from green to a sunny yellow when ripe. The most striking feature is the flesh, which boasts a stunning deep orange or even red hue, unlike the paler yellow of most common papaya varieties. The taste of Thai papaya is a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness, with a hint of mango and apricot in the flavor profile. The texture is soft and creamy, making it perfect for eating fresh or using in salads, smoothies, and desserts.
Size: Thai papayas are generally smaller than some other papaya varieties, averaging around 6-8 inches in length and 2-3 inches in diameter. They typically weigh between 1-2 pounds each.
Varieties: Within the Thai papaya category, there are several sub-varieties with slight variations in flesh color, sweetness, and size. Some popular ones include the Sunrise papaya, Sunset papaya, and Rainbow papaya.
Net Wt: 05 gm
MRP: 499 TK
Cultivation:
Growing your own Thai papaya is possible in tropical and subtropical climates with warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight. Here’s a basic guide to cultivating this fruit:
Climate: Thai papayas thrive in warm temperatures between 70-90°F (21-32°C) and well-drained soil. They are sensitive to frost and cold weather.
Planting: Start with seeds or seedlings from a reputable nursery. Seeds germinate best in warm soil at around 75-80°F (24-27°C). Plant seedlings in a sunny location with well-draining soil and space them about 8-10 feet apart.
Soil: Prepare the soil by mixing in aged compost or manure for good drainage and fertility. Thai papayas prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
Watering: Water regularly, especially during the dry season, but avoid over watering, which can lead to root rot. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Fertilizing: Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Pollination: Some Thai papaya varieties are delicious, meaning they have separate male and female plants. For these varieties, you’ll need to plant both male and female trees within close proximity to ensure proper pollination and fruit set. Other varieties are self-fertile, so you only need one plant.
Harvesting: Thai papayas are ready to harvest when the skin turns from green to yellow and the flesh gives slightly to gentle pressure. They will continue to ripen after picking, so you can pick them slightly under ripe if you prefer.
Additional Tips:
– Mulching around the base of the trees helps retain moisture and suppress weed.
– Pruning suckers and side shoots encourages the tree to focus its energy on fruit production.
– Watch out for common pests and diseases like papaya ring spot virus and papaya mealybug.
With proper care and attention, you can enjoy the unique sweetness and vibrant color of Thai papayas grown right in your backyard!
