Explore different papaya varieties and their key traits with these easy horticulture-focused questions. Learn to distinguish common types grown in agriculture worldwide.
Which characteristic best describes the 'Solo' variety of papaya commonly grown in Hawaii?
Explanation: The 'Solo' papaya is known for its small, pear-like shape and vibrant orange flesh. Large, round fruits with yellow skin are more typical of 'Maradol'. Long, cylindrical fruits with pinkish-red flesh describe the 'Red Lady' type. Green, oval fruits used for cooking are unripe cooking varieties, not the 'Solo'.
Which papaya variety is widely grown for commercial export in Mexico and Central America?
Explanation: Maradol is favored for export due to its large size and sweet, firm flesh. Sunrise is a Hawaiian variety, Mountain papayas are distinct and not commonly grown for export, and Rainbow is a hybrid not typically grown in Mexico for export.
If you want to prepare an unripe papaya salad (like Thai 'Som Tam'), which type of papaya is most commonly used?
Explanation: Unripe, green papayas are crisp and not sweet, making them ideal for savory salads. Ripe Red Lady or Solo papayas are sweet, unsuitable for salads, and Mountain papaya is a different species more often cooked than eaten raw.
Which variety was bred specifically to resist Papaya Ringspot Virus (PRSV)?
Explanation: Rainbow is a genetically engineered variety developed for resistance to PRSV. Maradol and Formosa do not have this resistance, and Tainung is known for fruit size rather than disease resistance.
What distinguishes the 'Mountain Papaya' (Vasconcellea pubescens) from common papaya varieties (Carica papaya)?
Explanation: Mountain Papaya is a separate species known for small, fragrant fruits and higher acidity. It does not produce large yellow fruits, nor does it have purple skin, and it is used commonly in cooking rather than for drinks.