First of all, it’s just fun to say: pawpaw. Pawpaw. Pawpaw, pawpaw, pawpaw. It even looks funny in print, now that I’ve gone and worn it out. (Don’t stare at it too long.)
But what is pawpaw? It’s a tree that mostly grows on the eastern side of North America—and, more usefully for our purposes, it’s also the fruit that is grown by that tree. If you’re keeping notes at home—or perhaps helping your kid with a science report—here’s a cool fact: Pawpaw is the largest edible fruit that is native to our continent.
What’s it like? It appears ovaloid, usually green-skinned, with pale, yellowish flesh and dark seeds on the inside. Despite not being a tropical fruit, its bright flavor has the power to evoke tiki drinks—often described as a cross between banana and mango. The flesh’s texture is somewhat creamy and banana-like, and some bakers like to use it as a substitute for banana. You can also eat the flesh raw—but it doesn’t keep or travel well unless it’s frozen.