Pawpaw

Pawpaw is a uniquely tropical-tasting fruit native to North America, celebrated for its custard-smooth texture and flavors reminiscent of banana, mango, and melon. Growing on small understory trees, pawpaws ripen in late summer to early fall, producing green, oblong fruits that soften as they mature. Inside, the creamy yellow flesh is rich, aromatic, and highly nutritious, packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein. Despite its exotic flavor, the pawpaw is surprisingly hardy, thriving in temperate climates and attracting interest from foragers, growers, and chefs looking to highlight this once-overlooked native fruit.