Pawpaw

What Is Pawpaw?

Pawpaw is a fruit (Asimina triloba) that grows naturally in the forests of the eastern and central United States. It is the only naturally temperate-climate member of the Annonaceae family, which also includes fruits like sugar apple, cherimoya, and soursop, a family typically native to tropical climates.

With green-yellowish skin and a large potato-like shape, its interior is creamy yellow, with a taste between banana, mango, and pineapple. Since it ripens and spoils very quickly after harvest, it is not suitable for long-distance transport; it therefore finds almost no place in large-scale commerce and is mostly consumed at local markets or gathered from one's own tree.

Nutritional Values of Pawpaw

100 g of raw pawpaw contains around 80 kcal of energy; it carries vitamin C and high potassium. Values are approximate.

How Should Pawpaw Be Consumed?

Pawpaw can be considered part of a balanced diet as a vitamin C and potassium source; only fully ripe fruit is consumed, and the skin and seeds are not eaten.

This information is general; pawpaw is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Pawpaw?

A good pawpaw has yellowish-green skin, yields to slight pressure, and has a sweet-tropical smell. Ones that are overly hard (unripe) or blackish-bruised should be avoided.

• Skin should be yellowish-green
• Should yield to slight pressure
• Smell should be sweet-tropical

How to Store Pawpaw?

Pawpaw should be consumed within 2-3 days when stored in the refrigerator; it is a fruit that ripens and spoils very quickly. It can be scooped out and frozen for longer storage.

Using Pawpaw in the Kitchen

Pawpaw is most often eaten fresh with a spoon; it is also used in puddings, ice cream, and bread recipes in a banana-like role. Its seeds are large and not eaten.

Why Isn't Pawpaw Found in Markets?

It has a very short shelf life (a few days) after harvest and does not withstand shipping; it is therefore unsuitable for large-scale commercial distribution and is mostly available through local-direct sales.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are pawpaw skin and seeds edible?

No; only the creamy flesh inside is eaten, the skin and large seeds are not consumed.

Are pawpaw and papaya the same fruit?

No; despite the similar name they are completely different plants. Papaya is a tropical fruit, while pawpaw is a separate species that grows in temperate-climate forests.

Is pawpaw available in Turkey?

It is not; since it does not withstand shipping, it is practically never imported.