When to Refrigerate

Just like a banana, papaya is best when not too green and not too ripe. The PERFECT papaya is eaten at 3/4 yellow and gives slightly to a gentle squeeze.

We harvest and ship our papayas at 1/4 to 1/2 color change. They will continue to ripen and become fully yellow when left out at room temperature. Leave them out at an ambient room temperature and do not refrigerate before they reach 3/4 yellow. Please note that an ambient room temperature in a tropical climate is much different than a colder climate. If you live in a colder climate and your countertops are cold to the touch, then we recommend keeping your papayas in a cupboard until they ripen. Once they ripen, then papayas can be refrigerated and should keep their perfect taste and texture for up to ten days.