
Papaya is a soft, orange-fleshed tropical fruit native to southern Mexico and Central America and now grown throughout the tropics. Dried papaya pieces add a mellow, sweet flavor with musky, melon-like notes and a gentle tropical aroma. Papaya pairs well with rooibos, green tea, white tea and fruit blends, especially alongside mango, pineapple, coconut and passion fruit. Because its flavor is soft rather than tart, papaya rounds out tangier fruits nicely and makes a smooth, easygoing iced tea.
Learn about every ingredient we use in our Tea Ingredients A–Z.