Goldie is a high yielding dwarf papaya variety which has been selected for its desirable traits in terms of plant stature, fruit yield and quality. Trees start bearing fruits at 52 cm above ground level, with an average yield of 42 fruits per tree. The fruits are large in size with an average weight of 2.5 kg, attractive with thick reddish orange pulp and either cylindrical or globular in shape. The fruit is very firm, sweet and has a long shelf of 10 days at ambient temperature and 14 days at 10- 12oC. The variety is suitable for growing in the subhumid and humid regions.
Besides consumption as fresh or minimally processed as fresh cuts which have a shelf life of 10 days at 4oC, the variety is also suitable for processing into a range of value-added products like frozen puree, dehydrated slices, nectar, jam, crystallised candied cubes, pickle and powder, creating new income opportunities.
Launched during World Food Day held from 17 to 19 October 2024 at Reduit, visitors showed great interest in the variety Goldie for both commercial and backyard production.
