Dried Papaya Cubes | Sweetened

Sold in 2 lb. and 4 lb. Options in Re-Sealable bags.

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Ingredients: Dried diced Papaya, Pure cane sugar.

Ingredient Country of Origin: Thailand

Allergen Declaration Statement: Free from; Gluten, Wheat, Legume Family {Peanuts, Soy beans, lentils, chickpeas, and lupin, beans (kidney, black, pinto, navy, string, fava), and peas (green, split, black-eyed), plus others like mung beans, adzuki, and tamarind}, Tree Nuts {almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, brazil nuts, pine nuts, & coconut}, Shellfish aquatic invertebrates (crab, lobster, shrimp, prawns, crayfish), Crustaceans mollusks (clams, mussels, oysters, scallops, squid, octopus, snails), Fish {vertebrates having a backbone} , Sesame, Milk/Dairy, Eggs, Mustard, Sulfur Dioxide, Potassium Sorbate.

Packaging Procedure: Hand Packaged on dedicated Gerbs equipment Johnston, RI.

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Introducing Gerbs Dried Sweetened Papaya Cubes

OVERVIEW OF GERBS PAPAYA CUBES

Papaya is a sweet, tropical fruit with soft, orange or pink flesh, black edible seeds, and a musky aroma, growing on a large, herbaceous plant native to Central America. Rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, it’s eaten fresh, in smoothies, salads, or cooked, and contains papain, an enzyme used as a meat tenderizer.

Key Characteristics:

• Appearance: Ranges from green to yellow-orange skin when ripe, with vibrant coral-colored flesh inside and a central cavity filled with black, peppery seeds.
• Taste & Texture: Sweet and juicy, often compared to melon or peach, with a buttery, soft texture.
• Plant Type: Despite its tree-like look, it’s technically a large, fast-growing herbaceous plant with a soft, hollow stem.

Uses & Benefits:

• Culinary: Enjoyed raw in fruit salads, smoothies, juices, or cooked in various cuisines (Asian, Caribbean, etc.).
• Health: High in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, folate, fiber, and antioxidants, supporting cardiovascular and eye health.
• Enzyme: Contains papain, a digestive enzyme also used in commercial meat tenderizers, gum, and toothpaste.

Where it Grows:

• Native to tropical America (Mexico, South America) but cultivated globally in warm climates like Hawaii, India, and the Philippines.

HOW GERBS DRIED PAPAYA CUBES ARE MADE

Papayas are grown in tropical/subtropical regions (like India, Hawaii, Mexico) in full sun, well-drained soil, needing warmth and consistent water but not waterlogging, often propagated by seed. Drying involves slicing ripe fruit thinly, removing seeds, and dehydrating in low heat (oven at 100°F for hours) or sun until leathery, preserving its flavor and nutrients.

Growing Papayas (How & Where)

• Where: Native to Mesoamerica, grown globally in tropical/subtropical zones, with India, Brazil, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Mexico as top producers.
• Climate: Loves heat (70-90°F), full sun (6-8+ hrs), and protection from frost and strong winds.
• Soil: Requires well-drained, fertile soil, enriched with compost or manure; needs good drainage, especially in rainy seasons.
• Planting: Spring/early summer planting after frost risk. Space 5-6 ft apart.
• Care: Water consistently but avoid waterlogging; mulch helps roots and nutrients. Thin seedlings to keep strong plants.
• Sexing: Papayas can be male (no fruit), female, or bisexual. Keep a mix for pollination, but females/bisexuals produce fruit.

Drying Papayas (How)

1. Select Fruit: Use ripe, fresh papaya.
2. Prepare: Wash, peel, slice in half, scoop out seeds, and slice the flesh thinly (1/4 inch or less).
3. Dehydrate:

1. Oven Method: Place slices on a cookie sheet in a low oven (around 100°F) for about 12 hours, leaving the door slightly ajar.
2. Sun Drying: (Traditional) Lay slices on screens in the hot sun until dry and leathery, flipping as needed.

1. Store: Once leathery and chewy (not brittle), cool and store in airtight containers.

Key Takeaway

Papayas thrive in warm, sunny, tropical spots, needing good drainage to prevent root rot. Drying them involves low-heat dehydration of ripe, sliced fruit to concentrate flavor and create a chewy snack.

KEY HEALTH BENEFITS of GERBS PAPAYA CUBES

Papaya offers key health benefits, primarily by improving digestion with fiber and the enzyme papain, boosting immunity through high Vitamin C, and providing antioxidants (lycopene, zeaxanthin) that support heart health, vision, and fight inflammation and signs of aging, benefiting skin and joints.

In homeopathy, Carica papaya (papaya) is valued for digestive support, especially for liver weakness and protein breakdown via enzymes like papain, aiding bloating/heartburn. Beyond digestion, homeopathic uses also target immune support (antiviral effects), reducing inflammation, and improving skin health, leveraging its rich enzymes, antioxidants (vitamins A/C, beta-carotene), and fiber.

Digestive Health

• Enzyme Papain: Helps break down proteins, easing digestion and preventing bloating.
• Fiber: Promotes regular bowel movements and a balanced gut microbiome.

Immune Support & Antioxidants 

• Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that strengthens the immune system.
• Lycopene & Zeaxanthin: Protect cells from damage, support vision (filtering UV rays), and reduce inflammation.

Heart & Skin Health

• Heart Protection: Fiber, potassium, and antioxidants help maintain cardiovascular health.
• Anti-Aging: Antioxidants and vitamins (A, C) promote collagen production for healthy skin, hair, and nails.

Other Benefits

• Vision: Antioxidants like zeaxanthin protect against age-related macular degeneration.
• Bone Health: Contains Vitamin K, crucial for calcium absorption and bone strength.
• Anti-inflammatory: Compounds in papaya can reduce chronic inflammation.

Key Nutrients

• Vitamins A, C, K, Folate, Magnesium, Potassium, and fiber.

HOW TO COOK & INCORPORATE GERBS PAPAYA CUBES INTO YOUR DIET

Dried papaya cubes are a versatile, healthy snack and ingredient, excellent in trail mixes, granola, yogurt, oatmeal, baked goods (muffins, scones), smoothies, or rehydrated for curries/stews, and can even be blended into ice cream bases, offering sweet flavor with vitamins and fiber. To use them, simply snack straight from the bag, mix into cereals, blend into drinks, or rehydrate by soaking in boiling water for 10-15 minutes for a softer texture in savory dishes.

How to Cook & Rehydrate Dried Papaya

• Rehydration: Pour boiling water over the cubes, cover, and let sit for 10-15 minutes, then drain well before adding to recipes.
• Smoothies & Creams: Blend frozen or rehydrated cubes with yogurt, coconut milk, or ice cream for a creamy, tropical base.
• Baking: Chop and add to muffin, scone, or bar batters for a burst of tropical sweetness and texture.
• Chutney: Cook diced papaya with sugar, vinegar, ginger, garlic, and spices to create a sweet and savory condiment.
• Savory Dishes: Add rehydrated cubes to curries and stews for a touch of sweetness and texture.

Ways to Incorporate into Your Diet

• Breakfast Boost: Mix into yogurt, oatmeal, or cereal with nuts and seeds.
• Snacks: Enjoy as a standalone snack, add to trail mix (“gorp”), or blend into energy balls.
• Desserts: Blend into dairy-free ice cream, fold into fruit salads, or use in homemade fruit roll-ups.
• Baking: Add to cakes, breads, and cookies for moisture and flavor.

Order now and Taste the Goodness of Gerbs!

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Storage Recommendations

For the best flavor and freshness, we recommend storing your Gerbs in an airtight container in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet, away from sunlight and heat sources like the oven.

Each time the container is opened, oxygen sneaks in and can speed up rancidity, so try to keep only about one pound of product accessible at a time.

While Gerbs can be frozen, we don’t recommend it. Freezing and thawing can change the natural cell structure, which may affect texture and taste. Keep them cool, dry, and sealed tight for the best experience!