Mariton: Pawpaws

On Wednesday morning, I found some fruit that had dropped over night.  The pawpaws will be ripening soon.  Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is a very interesting North American tree that produces a fleshy fruit with the texture of a banana, but the flavor of …  I don’t know.  I have heard the flavor described many different ways.  Mango/banana, or pear/mango flavor are probably the most common responses when I ask people what they think it tastes like.

It is worth trying.  If you visit Mariton in the next month, check under the tree by the parking lot.  You will be looking for fruit that has dropped on the ground and is turning yellow and soft.  You are welcome to sample, but leave the other fruit for school groups and other visitors to find.

I realize now that the photo above is somewhat misleading.  Pawpaws have simple leaves (one blade) and not compound leaves (made up of several leaflets).  Horse Chestnut, Walnut, Hickory and Ash are some trees that have compound leaves.