American Pawpaw: What It Is and Why People Talk About It

Ever seen a weird green fruit called pawpaw and wondered if it’s worth a try? American pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is a small native fruit tree with a custardy, tropical-tasting fruit. Folks use the fruit in cooking, gardeners grow the trees for shade and wildlife, and some herbal sellers market pawpaw extracts as dietary supplements. Here’s what you really need to know—how to eat it, basic growing tips, what science says, and safety pointers.

How to eat, cook, and grow pawpaw

The ripe pawpaw tastes like a mix of banana, mango, and melon. Eat it fresh when the skin yields to gentle pressure, or scoop it into smoothies, ice cream, pancakes, or quick breads. The seeds and skin aren’t edible; toss those.

Want to grow one? Pawpaws prefer part shade, rich moist soil, and protection from harsh winds. They’re slow starters—expect a few years before they fruit. Plant more than one tree: most varieties need cross-pollination to set fruit.

Harvest timing matters. Pawpaws ripen quickly and bruise easily. Pick when slightly soft and use within a day or two, or freeze pulp for longer storage. For cooking, frozen pawpaw pulp works great in desserts and smoothies.

Supplements, evidence, and safety

Some supplements claim pawpaw has health benefits. Lab and animal studies have identified compounds called acetogenins in pawpaw that can affect cells in test-tube experiments. Human studies are limited, so pawpaw supplements shouldn’t be seen as proven treatments for any disease.

Watch for interactions. Because acetogenins may affect mitochondria and cellular processes, people on prescription meds—especially chemotherapy or drugs that affect the liver—should check with their doctor before using pawpaw extracts. Pregnant or breastfeeding people should avoid supplements unless a clinician approves.

Don’t eat the seeds or chew bark—those parts can be toxic. Stick to ripe fruit flesh or products from reputable suppliers, and follow label directions on supplements.

Where to buy? Local farmers’ markets and specialty fruit growers are the best places for fresh pawpaws. For frozen pulp or specialty products, look for small producers who list sourcing and handling. If you’re buying supplements, choose brands with third-party testing and clear ingredient lists.

Quick tips: try pawpaw in a breakfast smoothie (banana + pawpaw + yogurt), freeze pulp in ice-cube trays for single servings, and plant two trees for reliable fruit. If you’re curious about medicinal claims, bring questions and labels to your healthcare provider—real safety advice is specific to you.

Pawpaw is a tasty native fruit with some interesting compounds and a lot of traditional use. Enjoy the fruit, be cautious with extracts, and ask a healthcare pro before mixing supplements with prescription meds.