A North Queensland producer has taken a step away from growing and selling whole fruit, and has started a packaged line of shredded green papaya.
Cameron Mackay, Mackay’s Bananas, Tully, said the line would be sold mostly in Far North Queensland originally, and will appeal to the Asian tourism market.
Mr Mackay said while the product is still new – it is already proving to be popular.
“It's a line that is in it's infancy, but shredded green papaya is certainly an Asian delicacy,” he said.
“We're processing some into some kits.
“They're going into retail sale with a sauce in the kit as an additive to have with your meals.”
He said the product is not intended to be a meal on its own, but as something to pair with a “some steak or a bit of chicken”.
The Mackay family grow papaya in addition to their primary business of bananas, and also grow avocados and cacao.
They are currently exploring organic opportunities for all lines, including the papaya.