paw paw
Photo: Angela
About
The paw paw is a fruit that is botanically classified as a berry. The fruits are not commercially viable because they do not store or ship well, so they tend to be limited in consumption to foragers or those with backyard trees.
Information
Other names: Hoosier Banana, Indiana Banana
Physical Description
Oblong, green-tinted, smooth fruit with large black seeds and custard-like interior.
Colors: Green with Yellow Shading
Tasting Notes
Flavors: banana, mango
Mouthfeel: Creamy, Custard-like
Food complements: Chocolate, Walnuts
Substitutes: Bananas
Selecting and Buying
Choosing: Should be slightly yielding but not soft--similar to how to judge a mango.
Buying: Not typically a commercial fruit
Procuring: Look for fruits that have just fallen to the ground.
Preparation and Use
Eat out of hand or scoop out the pulp for smoothies or baking.
Conserving and Storing
The pulp can be frozen.