In 1897, Anne Dirks Schaafsma purchased a bakery in the Dijkstraat of Franeker, Friesland, marking the start of a family tradition rooted in the art of baking. Growing up surrounded by the comforting aroma of fresh bread and pastries, this passion for crafting delicious treats was passed down through generations.

Fast forward exactly 100 years later, Anne Dirks' great-grandson, Jan, made his own journey, moving to Aruba in 1997 to work at the P. Harsveld bakery. In 2023, Jan, now an Aruban teacher with a love for baking, started noticing how many papayas were going to waste. With a simple idea and a deep passion, Jan began crafting candied papaya that preserves the fruit's tropical essence while creating a treat that's delightfully unique. 

As a small business, Mangel di Papaya is rooted in community, connection, and integrity. Every batch of candied papaya is handcrafted to reflect our commitment to excellence. More than just a snack, it's a celebration of tradition, a story of love, and a sweet treat meant to be shared with the ones you care about most.