Pawpaws: The Largest Yet Most Underappreciated Edible Fruit

Pawpaws are an intriguing fruit that many people are unfamiliar with. Also known as the “Appalachian Banana” or “Poor Man's Banana,” this often-overlooked fruit grows in the East Coast and Midwest, from southern Canada down to Florida. Found in 26 states, you might have encountered a pawpaw tree without even realizing it. These fruits, which are about the size of a large potato and can weigh over a pound, hold the title of the largest edible fruit native to North America.

Pawpaws belong to the custard apple family, which also includes tropical fruits like soursop and cherimoya. Their flavor is reminiscent of a blend of banana, papaya, and mango, with a creamy, custard-like texture. If you find fresh pawpaw, enjoy it on its own first to appreciate its unique taste. With a surplus of pawpaw, you can easily make ice cream, sorbet, or pudding, all of which highlight its delightful flavor and creamy texture.

Pawpaws have a rich history. Before industrial agriculture became commonplace, they were a staple for people who relied on wild foods. Native Americans incorporated them into their diets, and Lewis and Clark famously consumed them during their 1806 expedition when food supplies dwindled. Thomas Jefferson was also an admirer and cultivated pawpaw trees at his estate.

If you're hoping to find pawpaws at your local grocery store, you're in for a disappointment. These elusive fruits are rarely available in supermarkets due to their short shelf life; once harvested, they only last about three to five days at room temperature. Unlike other North American fruits, pawpaws are not commercially farmed. Most are hand-harvested and gathered from the wild, and while there are efforts to make their production more widespread, only a handful of small orchards exist.

Your best chance of finding fresh pawpaws is at farmers' markets, produce co-ops, or specialty grocery stores located in the Midwest and Eastern United States. The pawpaw season runs from August to October, so if you spot them, don’t hesitate to grab some. Some online produce vendors do sell fresh or frozen pawpaw pulp, but their prices can be steep due to expedited shipping costs.

If you live in areas where pawpaws thrive in the wild, consider foraging for them during hikes. Alternatively, if you have the space and don’t mind waiting, you can find seeds and plants to grow your own pawpaw trees online.