PAWPAW fruit
CUSTARD IN THE WOODS · 22

A custard fruit that survives winter

Soft, tropical-tasting pulp grows on a tree native to temperate North America.

AI-generated image Fruitplot Studio · Fruitplot original
22
Hard to transport · PAWPAWAsimina triloba
Fruitplot editorial team5 MIN READ

Its taste may suggest banana or mango, but the tree belongs to a temperate forest.

Illustration of the fruit and its structure
Illustration of the fruit and its structureAI-generated image · Fruitplot Studio · Fruitplot original
LOOK CLOSER

Explore pawpaw

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PAWPAW: view 2Second view
PAWPAW: view 1First view
01First view

North American pawpaw is different from papaya, despite names that can overlap.

AI-generated image · Fruitplot Studio
02Second view

Its flowers attract different pollinators from many familiar orchard crops.

AI-generated image · Fruitplot Studio

Soft, tropical-tasting pulp grows on a tree native to temperate North America.

01

A confusing name

North American pawpaw is different from papaya, despite names that can overlap.

Illustration of the fruit and its structure
Illustration of the fruit and its structureAI-generated image · Fruitplot Studio · Fruitplot original
02

Flies visit the spring flowers

Its flowers attract different pollinators from many familiar orchard crops.

Illustration of the fruit and its structure
Illustration of the fruit and its structureAI-generated image · Fruitplot Studio · Fruitplot original
03

Delicious but difficult to ship

Ripe pawpaws soften quickly and bruise easily, limiting long-distance distribution.

AT A GLANCE

At a glance

Scientific name
Asimina triloba
Fruit
PAWPAW
Scientific name
Asimina triloba
What to notice
Soft, tropical-tasting pulp grows on a tree native to temperate North America.
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SOURCES

Sources

5 sources · botanical, safety, and image credits
  1. 01
    Pawpaw FAQ and Contact Information ↗Kentucky State University · accessed 2026-09-12

    This reference supports the article. For preparation and safety, follow the cited official guidance.

  2. 02
    Pawpaw Description and Nutritional Information ↗Kentucky State University · accessed 2026-09-12

    This reference supports the article. For preparation and safety, follow the cited official guidance.

  3. 03
    Pawpaw — A “Tropical” Fruit for Temperate Climates ↗Cornell Small Farms Program · accessed 2026-09-12

    This reference supports the article. For preparation and safety, follow the cited official guidance.

  4. 04
    Pawpaw Fruit in the Garden and the Kitchen ↗Penn State Extension · accessed 2026-09-12

    This reference supports the article. For preparation and safety, follow the cited official guidance.

  5. 05
    Fruit Cabinet editorial images ↗Fruitplot · Fruitplot Studio · Fruitplot original · accessed 2026-09-12

    Editorial images created from botanical references and reviewed for fruit shape, cross-section, and edible parts.

    View license
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