Development of the desirable characteristics of papaya is related to fruit ripening processes which involve several biochemical pro-cesses that convert the mature-hard and inedible fruit into a sweet, soft and aromatic edible fruit.
Papaya, being a climac-teric fruit, continues to ripen after harvest and during storage.
The fruit exhibits a characteristic rise in ethylene production which is accompanied by softening, changes in peel and pulp colour and development of a strong aroma.
Although the changes that take place during ripening are impor-tant, uncontrolled ripening process can lead to rapid degradation in quality that contribute to postharvest losses.
Thus, it is important to control the ripening process during storage and distribution in order to maintain fruit quality at the best level possible through to reaching the consumer.