At peakfruitYear-round, strongest summer–fall

Papaya

Papaya is at peak natural U.S. harvest right now.

Outdoor tropical papaya harvest is active in Hawaii and Florida. Store availability outside a natural U.S. harvest window may come from imports, domestic storage, or controlled-environment production.

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Why it belongs now

U.S. harvest · Friday, August 28, 2026

Selected for Midwest & Great Lakes

Hawaii, South Florida. Active U.S. growing states include Hawaii, Florida.

Best uses right now

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Choose the best

Shopping tips

Choose produce that feels fresh, firm for its type, and free of soft or leaking spots.
Look for color and aroma that fit the ripe stage you plan to use it at.
Skip badly bruised, moldy, shriveled, or damaged pieces.

Make it last

Storage guide

Keep uncut produce dry until you are ready to use it.
Refrigerate ripe or cut fruit promptly when the commodity requires chilling.
Store cut pieces covered and use them while flavor and texture are still fresh.

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Get practical help with ripeness, storage, substitutions, meal ideas, and what is worth buying in Midwest & Great Lakes today.