what is paw paw fruit

The pawpaw fruit is the largest edible fruit native to North America, and it comes from the Asimina triloba tree, which is native to the eastern United States and southern Canada. The fruit is oblong and green, with a tropical flavor that is often described as a blend of mango, banana, berries, and pineapple. The flesh of the pawpaw is pale yellow and custardy, with a soft and jelly-like texture. It contains large, black, lima-bean-shaped seeds and is high in nutrients such as vitamin C, magnesium, iron, copper, and manganese. Pawpaws are also a good source of potassium and several essential amino acids, and they contain significant amounts of riboflavin, niacin, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. The fruit is often enjoyed for its unique flavor and custard-like texture, and it can be used as a substitute for bananas in various recipes. Pawpaws are indigenous to 26 states in the U.S., and they have been enjoyed by Native Americans, European explorers and settlers, and wild animals. The fruit is still being enjoyed in modern America, particularly in rural areas. Pawpaws are available from more than 50 commercial nurseries in the U.S., and for high-quality fruit production, it is recommended to purchase container-grown trees grafted to a named cultivar and to plant two or more unrelated trees to ensure adequate cross-pollination.