Pawpaw 3 Gallon

Pawpaw Overview

The pawpaw is a small deciduous tree native to the eastern United States and parts of Canada. It produces the largest edible fruit native to North America, often called the “American banana” or “Indiana banana” because of its creamy texture and tropical flavor.

🌱 Origin & Background

• Scientific Name: Asimina triloba

• Native Range: Eastern and Midwestern U.S., southern Ontario, Canada.

• Wild Habitat: Prefers rich, well-drained bottomlands and riverbanks but can be grown in gardens.

🎨 Appearance

• Tree Size: Typically grows 15–30 feet tall with a broad crown.

• Leaves: Large, oblong, bright green leaves that turn yellow in fall.

• Fruit: Greenish-yellow, oblong or oval-shaped fruit about 3–6 inches long.

🍬 Flavor & Texture

• Taste: Sweet, custard-like with tropical notes reminiscent of banana, mango, and melon.

• Texture: Soft, creamy, and custardy when ripe.

• Seeds: Large, brown seeds inside each fruit (several per fruit).

🧁 Best Uses

• Fresh eating: Best eaten ripe, fresh from the tree.

• Smoothies & desserts: Used in ice creams, puddings, and baked goods.

• Jams & preserves: Pawpaw can be made into jams or jellies.

• Freezing: Can be frozen for later use.