Common Pawpaw

Pawpaw are native to North America, growing wild in 26 states, mostly east of the Mississippi, from southern New England to Florida and is a cousin to the papaya tree. The Pawpaw is mostly a wild shrub, and isn’t usually cultivated for profit due to the softness of the fruit. Many of those who greatly desire the fruit find part of the pleasure is in the thrill in hunting for them in the wild. The Pawpaw’s flavor is associated with a tropical fruit blend, described as tasting of a banana, pineapple, and mango combination. Also, because they are foraged for free, pawpaws earned the nickname "poor man's banana" or a custard apples as they have a creamy texture with an appearance similar to an apple. Pawpaw’s are high in vitamin C, magnesium, iron, copper, and manganese. Plus are a good source of potassium and several essential amino acids, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. Pawpaw’s flavor makes them value for use in jelly and jams as well as gelatos. 

The majority of the Pawpaw’s nutrients are in the fleshy interior and seeds, but the skin can also be used medicinally, as well as the leaves, bark, and the roots. One usage is for its anti-inflammatory properties to aid with inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis and common injuries of the joints and muscles by regularly consuming the oils in the fruit and leaves. The leaves help with certain types of diabetes and for constipation. The fruit prepared can aid with stomach ulcers, skin ulcers, asthmas and some breathing issues, but is best known for its skin care qualities.