Pawpaw FAQs

WHAT IS A PAWPAW? • HOW DO I EAT THIS FRUIT? • WHERE CAN I FIND PAWPAW TREES??

WHY DOESN’T MY LOCAL MARKET CARRY PAWPAW FRUIT? • WHEN IS PAWPAW HARVEST SEASON?

WHAT IS THE NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF THIS FRUIT?

What is a pawpaw?

The pawpaw is the largest fruit NATIVE to North America. It grows wild in about 26 eastern states, and was discovered by Hernando DeSoto c.1540 and has been delightfully consumed by Native Americans and other historical Americans like Lewis & Clark. Native Americans even planted pawpaws as they traveled, using them for food along trails and used the bark for baskets and making fish nets. Pioneers ate pawpaws before apples and other fruits came to America. Back to Top

How do I eat this fruit?

The fruit should be ripe. You will know its ripe when the fruit is slightly soft to the touch and gives off a nice banana/mango-y aroma. Next, the peel should be removed since it is slightly bitter. Mind the large seeds! For cooking/baking, a good general rule of thumb is to substitute the pawpaw for the banana in many popular recipes. Back to Top

Why doesn’t my local market carry pawpaw fruit?

Because there aren’t many growers and due to the expense of processing the organic fruit, pawpaws aren’t usually available in grocery stores. Your best bet is in a farmer’s market when the fruit is in season, late summer to early fall. Remember to wash your fruit well before eating. Back to Top

What is the nutritional value of this fruit?

An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but eating HALF a pawpaw does the same job. The pawpaw is rich in antioxidants and other nutrients. Back to Top

When is harvest season for this fruit?

The fruit is in season in late Summer to early Fall. Your harvest time will depend on climate and where in the US you are growing. Back to Top

OPGA membership includes enthusiastic pawpaw consumers, backyard growers, and full-on, large-scale producers. Join us in preserving the history, cultivation practices, and availability of this large and tasty native fruit! BECOME A MEMBER today by completing and sending this form.

The OPGA is a not-for-profit, tax exempt 501(c)5 organization. Dues payments are deductible as an ordinary business expense for federal income tax purposes. Contributions or gifts to the OPGA are not deductible as charitable contributions.

ANNUAL OHIO PAWPAW FESTIVAL
Mid September 2023!
Festivals, Family Friendly, Outdoor Annual Festival Since 1998!

This is a festival dedicated to the Pawpaw fruit (Asimina triloba).
Join us at the scenic Lake Snowden in Albany, Ohio for 3 days of Pawpaw music, food, craft brews, contests / races, art, history, education, sustainable living workshops and activities for the kids!

5900 US 50 Albany, OH 45710

https://www.ohiopawpawfest.com/

WHY GROW NORTH AMERICAN PAWPAWS?
1. The NA pawpaw has been growing in the United States for thousands of years & is well suited to the soils and climate.
2. History shows that the native cultures that once thrived in our region farmed large plantations of NA pawpaws.
3. Existing stands of NA pawpaws are excellent areas to further develop into productive semi-wild orchards.
4. The NA pawpaw is a nutritionally superior fruit, very high in protein, fat, minerals and amino acids.

WHY NOT JUST CALL THEM PAWPAWS?
Because of the widespread interest in this species, we want to be more inclusive with its name and terminology. Here, and in all NAPGA/OPGA publications, you will see the pawpaw referenced as the North American Pawpaw, or NA Pawpaw, to distinguish our fruit from those fruits called pawpaw or papaya in other parts of the world.

North American Pawpaw Growers Association

Bringing Back Ohio's Native Fruit

Pawpaw FAQs

North American Pawpaw Association / Ohio Chapter OPGA

North American Pawpaw Growers Association

Bringing Back Ohio's Native Fruit

Pawpaw FAQs

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North American Pawpaw Association / Ohio Chapter OPGA