Deemed a "national treasure" by some, the pawpaw fruit is as nutritious as it is delicious. Though native to North America, you won't easily find this fruit at the grocery store — at least not for now.
But as temperatures increase worldwide, the range in which pawpaw grows is expanding. Some experts are projecting this fruit will become a major cash crop in the coming years.
What do pawpaws taste like?
Pawpaws come from the pawpaw tree and is the largest fruit native to North America.
These fruits look like green potatoes and have a sweet flavor that's a cross between banana, mango, and pineapple, with a texture similar to an avocado.
Not to be confused with papaya, the pawpaw fruit is known by several colloquial names, including the "hipster banana."
Raw pawpaws are delicious and also do well in baked goods, ice cream, spreads, or even when paired with meat.
Stay hydrated and refreshed this holiday season — without any sugar or harmful additives Nuun’s zero-sugar hydration tablets are a perfect, guilt-free way to enhance your water throughout the day. You’ll get five essential electrolytes for everyday hydration — with zero grams of sugar. Plus, Nuun tablets are certified vegan and gluten-free, and they’re the perfect size to keep in your car, purse, or anywhere you'll want a healthy, restorative drink. Learn more → |
Even though the pawpaw is similar to other tropical fruits, it grows in temperate regions and stretches from northern Florida to southern Ontario.
These fruits are native to 26 states in the U.S., but they're somewhat of a rarity at your local grocery store or farmer's market because they bruise easily and have a short shelf life.
What is pawpaw fruit good for?
Besides their delicious taste, the pawpaw fruit is very nutritious.
According to Kentucky State University, pawpaws are rich sources of vitamin C, magnesium, iron, manganese, potassium, and several essential amino acids.
There's a reason dermatologists personally use this daily moisturizing sunscreen more than any other brand Dermatologists see and understand skin at a much deeper level than the rest of us, and they know that the perfect SPF both protects and corrects your skin. That's why they trust, recommend, and personally use EltaMD more than any other brand. EltaMD's clinically tested formulas are designed with dermatologists to meet the needs of any skin type or condition. They're also designed for consistent daily wear to build long-term resilience with a moisturizing, lightweight, non-comedogenic texture — plus hyaluronic acid to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Learn more → |
Warming temperatures have the potential to turn this fruit into a cash crop by creating more temperate climate regions where the pawpaw tree can grow, according to one Harvard Extension study. Anna Frej, the author of this study, wrote, "almost the entirety of New England will be well within the ideal growth range for pawpaw within the next 30 years."
Could pawpaws be the fruit of the future?
According to ScienceNews, just 13 major crops — versatile foods like wheat, corn, and rice — provide 80% of the world's total caloric intake.
The problem is not every single one of these crops can withstand a rise in temperatures and extreme weather events. So as average temperatures continue to rise worldwide, our global food supply is at risk.
Pawpaw, however, is a robust, hardy, and flexible plant that can survive extreme conditions including harsh winters, contrary to its tropical taste and appearance.
With its abundance of nutrients and ability to sustain temperatures that would harm other crops, the pawpaw fruit could bring greater food security to areas most affected by malnourishment and the repercussions of our overheating planet.
Follow The Cool Down on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter.
Cool Picks
