UPDATE! Last night, I was tipped off by a helpful blog reader about some sad news: Trader Joe's has discontinued one of my favorite products, frozen papaya chunks. Weepy and confused, I called the TJ's at Union Square to confirm this news. Yup, my beloved frozen papaya chunks that blend up some of my favorite frosty summer smoothies - have been given the big D: discontinued. Sad. Bring Back the Frozen Papaya!
I sent TJ's an email today, urging them to bring back this healthy and happy frozen product. If you crave easy, affordable and delicious papaya smoothies just as much as me - I urge you to contact them as well and pass on this post to other smoothie-fanatics out there. You can contact Trader Joe's here.
My original frozen papaya product review post follows..
One of my favorite smoothies ever is the Papaya Paradise form Liquiteria in NYC. Papaya smoothies are awesome. But I could never find frozen papaya chunks at a grocery store until now! Click ahead to find out what store has their own brand of frozen papaya. And read my review....
Yipee to Trader Joe's!
Frozen Papaya Chunks at Trader Joe's. I spotted these Frozen Papaya chunks at my NYC TJ's.
And tomorrow I'll be featuring a delicious smoothie that will leave you dreaming of papaya bliss.
Now for my Papaya Product Review...
Trader Joe's brand Frozen Papaya Chunks
Shelf Appeal: Nice sturdy plastic bag. Holds two servings of Papaya. Pretty pink papaya on front.
Label Check: 55 calories per serving, two servings per bag. Wow! That's quite a nice diet smoothie! Plus papaya is rich in the enzyme papain and other nutrients like potassium and Vitamins C and A. Plus the only ingredients in the bag are 100% pure papaya. Yum.
Taste Test: I like to thaw out frozen fruit and taste test it. Sometimes the thawed fruit is tasteless and mushy. The good brands will have thawed frozen fruit that is bright with zingy flavor and texture. This papaya was fabulous! It had a sweet tropical flavor and the texture remained firm, not mushy. I was very impressed with the flavor. Plus when I tried it in a smoothie it held up very well and the flavor of pure papaya tickled my taste buds.
Price Check: $1.99 for one pack. Great deal to me. The pack looked flat and small but I can easily get three smoothies out of that pack.
Last Word: Finally my Frozen Papaya prayers have been answered! Welcome to the summer of frozen papaya smoothies. Thanks Trader Joe's.
Eco-Vegan Gal says
What about buying your own papaya, cutting it, and freezing it. It will probably cheaper and will definitely be more eco-friendly without all the packaging (one of TJ's downsides). And you can also make sure it's in season in your area, not to mention organic.
Anonymous says
you don't have to buy these frozen, you can just buy the fresh papaya and freeze them your self $1.99 for a package is too much when you can get the fresh fruit and freeze them yourself
frozen is only if its out of season, but when it is you can buy a few fresh ones and freeze them yourself
in NY at my local supermarkets they already have the fresh fruits hope this helps
According to the Environmental Working Group's (EWG EWG Environmental Working Group
The "Dirty Dozen" most contaminated foods are peaches (97 percent tested positive for residue), apples (92 percent tested positive), sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, imported grapes, spinach, lettuce and potatoes.
The "Consistently Clean" are onions (90 percent tested negative), avocados (90 percent), sweet corn (90 percent), pineapples, mango, asparagus, sweet peas, kiwi, bananas, cabbage, broccoli and papaya
From:
Anonymous says
I could not stop laughing at "Weepy and confused, I called the TJ's..."
I could just feel your devastation 😉
Atsuko says
I just sent them an inquiry after reading your post. I would eat papayas right out of the bag when I got them!! I haven't seen them in a while and was wondering why they were gone.
Do you know why they decided to discontinue it?! Such a shocker...
Brett Sutcliffe says
Such a amazing photo. So simple but the color just perfect.
Berlinswhimsy says
Thanks for bringing this up---the frozen papayas at TJs are a staple in our freezer! I'll definitely let them know...
myrecessionkitchen says
Probably just as well, tropical fruit that is not grown organically is covered in very toxic pesticides. I've seen warnings on the boxes directed at the produce handlers, but that's never seen by the consumer.
Allison says
I sure wish TJ's had locations in Canada!
Hales says
Delicious photo. Frozen fruit never looked so good. Can't wait for the smoothie recipe soon.
Haley