Pawpaw (American Custard Apple) (Asimina triloba)

Family: Annonaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

The largest edible indigenous tree fruit native to North America. Weighs up to a pound with luscious, aromatic golden-yellow custard pulp.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Silky, aromatic custard blending ripe banana, sweet mango, pineapple, and creamy vanilla. — Scooped fresh directly out of the skin with a spoon; Pureed into artisanal ice cream, custards, and mousses; Baked into traditional autumn pawpaw quick bread; Fermented into small-batch craft ales and wild country wines

Habitat & North American Range

Deep, rich, alluvial river bottomlands, moist hillside ravines, and fertile forest understories. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)