What is a Pawpaw?
America's Forgotten Fruit
The pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is the largest edible fruit native to North America. Growing wild from the Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes, this understory tree produces oblong, greenish-yellow fruits with a flavor often described as a tropical blend of banana, mango, and pineapple.
Despite its delicious taste and historical significance — George Washington reportedly loved pawpaws, and Lewis and Clark survived on them during their expedition — the pawpaw remains largely unknown today.
Its short shelf life has kept it out of grocery stores, making it a forager's treasure and a local delicacy.
A Tropical Experience
Imagine biting into a perfectly ripe mango that somehow also tastes like banana and vanilla custard. That's the pawpaw experience. The flesh is creamy and pudding-like, with large brown seeds that pop out easily.
Pawpaws are best eaten fresh, straight from the tree when the fruit gives slightly to pressure. They can also be used in ice cream, smoothies, breads, and other recipes that showcase their unique tropical flavor.
Supporting Local Ecosystems
Pawpaw trees play an important role in forest ecosystems and support native wildlife.
Zebra Swallowtail Host
The sole host plant for zebra swallowtail butterflies — this beautiful insect cannot complete its life cycle without pawpaw leaves.
Understory Habitat
Pawpaws thrive in partial shade beneath larger canopy trees, spreading through root suckers to form dense groves.
Wildlife Food Source
The fruit is eaten by raccoons, opossums, foxes, and black bears, providing important nutrition in late summer.
Growing Pawpaws
Pawpaws can thrive in your backyard with the right conditions.