Pawpaw

Asimina triloba

Illustration: Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) fruit

Identification: Small understory tree; large drooping tropical-looking leaves; maroon bell flowers in spring; oblong yellow-green fruit (mango-sized) that softens and smells fruity when ripe in fall.

Dangerous look-alikes: No toxic look-alike — the fruit is distinctive. Unripe fruit is unpleasant; only eat soft, fragrant, ripe fruit.

Edible parts: Ripe fruit pulp (avoid seeds and skin).

Season and habitat: Fall (September–October). Rich bottomland woods, often in patches/clonal colonies.

Preparation: Eat fresh — custard-like, banana-mango flavor. Makes excellent ice cream and bread. Do not eat the large seeds.

Notes: America's forgotten native fruit — Lewis and Clark lived on pawpaws for days.