Hortiforum

General Info – Babaco, Mountain Papaya, Champagne Fruit

An excellent Papaya-like substitute for those residing in cooler climates, the prolifically borne, torpedo-shaped fruits of the Babaco offer a thirst quenching, tropical flavour. Babaco fruits have a distinct pentagonal shape, ripening to a vibrant yellow and swelling to up to 2kg in size. Exceptionally juicy and seedless, these fruits emanate a subtly aromatic scent, and the pulp is often described as slightly effervescent fizzy, hence its moniker, Champagne Fruit. The pulp is slightly sweet and sour, with taste comparisons ranging from Feijoa to Papaya, Pineapple, Passionfruit and Strawberry. Babaco is commonly made into a juice in its native South America, particularly Ecuador, where it is sweetened with sugar or honey. Ripe fruits can also be enjoyed fresh as a succulent and refreshing snack or added to salads, ice cream and yoghurt. The unripe, green fruits can be harvested and incorporated into salads, imparting a crisp, slightly bitter flavour.
The Babaco is native to the highlands of tropical South America, which features a consistent cool subtropical climate, similar to that a frost-free, coastal temperate climates such as Melbourne, Adelaide or Sydney where it flourishes. Plants demonstrate significantly greater cold tolerance than its tropical counterpart Papaya, making it suitable for much cooler conditions in which Papaya suffer. However, while it can endure substantially lower daytime temperatures than Papaya, protection is advised when encountering more than light frosts.
Cultivation requirements mirror those of Papaya, necessitating excellent drainage, ample water, and a partially shaded or sheltered position. Mature plants maintain a compact stature, remaining under 3m tall yet yielding substantial harvests. Due to their diminutive size, Babaco are suitable for container cultivation. The unique foliage closely resembles that of Papaya or Papayuelo. With its upright form and attractive foliage, the Babaco thrives in narrow spaces with limited room for horizontal growth. Compact, productive, and boasting a subtly flavoured fruit, the Babaco offers an opportunity to cultivate an intriguing tropical fruit in often unfavourable climates.

Plant Profile/Properties