Papaya

Description

We feature two varieties of Ethiopia papaya that farmers in the Raya Valley grow for us. These include Maradol, a variety that provides a long-lasting fruit with very quality pulp. It matures quite fast and has local and international market appeal. Maradol matures in seven months with an expected production of 126 kilos of fruit, per tree. Weighing between 22 and 32 oz., Solo papaya Waimanalo is another variety that grows in Ethiopia. Its main characteristics, especially the Sunrise version, is its succulent yellow pulp. Because the cultivar came directly from it native Hawaii, it produces very natural, unadulterated fruits. The third variety goes by the typical name ‘Local.’ It matures faster than Solo or Maradol. It also has better taste than Solo but its perishable nature discounts it in favor of the other two types.

The main growing areas include the historically important area of Tigray, in the south. Due to its valley climate, with sufficient water, the area has become a net exporting area. The other regions include Gerjale and Tumuga in the Raya Alamata woreda, as well as Tsigea and Genete in the Raya Azebo woreda. The main farmer types are small-scale and thus they consider quality production techniques to ensure market appeal.