The pawpaw fruit (Asimina triloba) is a large, edible fruit native to the eastern United States and southern Ontario, Canada. It grows on a small deciduous tree that can reach up to about 25 feet tall. The pawpaw fruit is the largest edible fruit indigenous to the United States. The fruit is typically 2 to 6 inches long and 1 to 3 inches wide, weighing between 0.7 to 18 ounces. It has a yellowish-green to brown skin when ripe and contains several large brown or black seeds embedded in soft, edible pulp. The flesh has a custard-like texture and a sweet flavor often described as a mix between banana, mango, and pineapple. Pawpaw fruits are commonly eaten raw, but they can also be used in recipes like ice cream and baked desserts. The seeds and skin are toxic and should not be eaten. The fruit is highly nutritious, containing vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, magnesium, iron, and several essential amino acids, among other nutrients. Pawpaw is sometimes called the "American custard apple" due to its creamy texture and tropical fruit family relation. It was historically popular but later became less common, though interest in it is seeing a mild revival. The fruit has a short shelf life and bruises easily, which has made it rare in commercial markets. In summary, pawpaw is a unique North American tropical-flavored fruit with a creamy texture, nutritious profile, and cultural history as a native and traditional food.
