Papaya (C. papaya) is a rich source of bioactive compounds, however their content varies greatly depending on factors such as the variety and growing location. In this study, three yellow-fleshed papaya cultivars (Laie Gold, Rainbow, Kapoho Solo) and two red-fleshed cultivars (Sunset and Sunrise) were harvested from different locations throughout the Islands of Hawaii and analyzed for their mineral and carotenoid content using ICP-MS and HPLC, respectively. Bioaccessibility of carotenoids across papaya cultivars were compared using an in-vitro digestion model. Yellow-fleshed papayas contained two major carotenoids, including β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin. In addition to these two carotenoids, red-fleshed papayas also contained high lycopene levels. Varietal and geographical differences were evident in both carotenoid content and their bioaccessibility. β-Cryptoxanthin was the main carotenoid among yellow-fleshed cultivars Laie Gold, Rainbow and Kapoho Solo (242.9-739.5 µg/100 g), followed by β-carotene (152.4-331.0 µg/100 g). The red-fleshed varieties Sunset and Sunrise contained 1089.6-1570.4 µg lycopene /100 g. Papayas (1 cup; 140 g) contained 6 % and 8 % of the dietary reference intake (DRI) for Cu and Mg, respectively, but less than 3% of the DRI for other minerals. The highest bioaccessibility across all varieties was found for β-carotene (1.7 % to 20.5 %), followed by β-cryptoxanthin (1.1 % to 11.7 %). Among yellow-fleshed papayas total carotenoid bioaccessibility was highest in the Rainbow variety from Kea’au and Kapoho farms. Bioaccessibility of lycopene from red-fleshed papayas ranged from 1.5 to 11.4 %. Altogether, these findings suggest that not only variety, but also different growing location alter the content and bioaccessibility of carotenoids in papaya.
