Does anyone know of a fruit seller who will ship papayas from Hawaii to California?? We love the local fruit, it is so much better than what shows up at uor local Safeway!!

Try this:

http://www.dolefruithawaii.com/Fresh...awaii_s/22.htm

I've ordered from Volcano Isle Fruit Company in the past and have been pleased with the quality of the fruit http://www.papayas.net/main.php

I have to tell a funny story about papayas in Hawaii. In Feb I was working a convention at the Wailea Grand Resort. It was a small convention and they served breakfast for the attendees and vendors in the exhibitor room. There was always plenty of fresh fruit especially a big tray of sliced papayas.

About the third day, one of the gentlemen working at the hotel was replacing the papaya tray (yet again) with a fresh one and he made this comment to those of us standing in line. He said, "I don't get it-why is papaya so popular? I've lived here my whole life and never eaten papaya."

First we all looked at him like he was crazy for never trying it. Then we explained how much better they were in Hawaii than what we get at home. Way better!! And of course at the hotel, you don't have to cut it off the seed which is always a little tricky for me.

It appears the cost of these papayas is even higher than mainland store prices! I would guess that 10 pounds of papaya is about 10 fruit, which means over $5 each. Drat! I can't very well justify eating one every day at that price.

Yes, they are expensive. I have a brunch for friends every summer and have ordered papayas several times for that event. They are always enjoyed.

Pretty expensive. Guess I'll just have to wait until I go back to Hawaii to enjoy again!

Sorry to veer off the subject a bit but paula1470 are you perhaps thinking of mangoes? ("And of course at the hotel, you don't have to cut it off the seed which is always a little tricky for me.") Papayas have about a hundred small, round black seeds that you simply scrape off. Actually, the seeds are edible although I don't eat them.

The papayas I get here are rarely good so maybe I'll spring for some from Hawaii for special occasions. Thanks for those resources Placename and martym.

sharona-Yes my mistake. It's the mango that is hard to get off the seed. I really do know the difference!! I've never tried to eat papaya seeds, either.