Mexico and Brazil were the world's leading papaya exporters in 2023, followed by Guatemala, the United States, and the Netherlands. According to data from the Ministry of Economy, Mexican papaya exports amounted to 123.7 million dollars, i.e. 1.4% less than in the previous year.
Mexican exports have increased recently, from 98.4 million dollars in 2020 to 115.4 million in 2021, and 125.4 million in 2022. Papaya has an oval or elongated shape and its skin color varies depending on its ripeness, from green to yellow or orange. This fruit is valued for its flavor, health benefits for the intestine, and for being a source of vitamins A and C.
Brazil, Guatemala, the US, and the Netherlands are also important papaya exporters with exports worth 53 million dollars, 22 million, 20 million, and 15 million, respectively. Papaya grows on the trunk of a single-stemmed tree in tropical regions, and it's consumed in various forms, whether fresh, in juices, smoothies, fruit salads, jams, pastes, nectars, canned in syrup, or as an ingredient in various culinary recipes.
In addition, papaya pulp has an unusually high pH, which ranges from 5.5 to nearly 6.0 when it is ripe. It's also a rich source of carotenoids, including beta-carotene. Global papaya exports totaled 322 million dollars in 2022, according to statistics from the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Among its many health benefits, papaya helps eliminate cholesterol, fights intestinal parasites, reduces menstrual cramps, and can be used as a sedative. Even papaya seeds have significant medicinal value. Originally from Mexico, papaya is now grown in most of the world's warm climates. It is one of the few fruits that can be consumed even when it hasn't matured, as long as it's cooked.
Source: opportimes.com