The Paw Paw (Asimina triloba) is a fruit-producing tree that is native to eastern North America. The tree is small, producing large leaves and fruits that have a resemblance to mango or papaya (which is where they get their common name, causing confusion with Papaya).
The Paw Paw fruit is generally oblong, with a smooth skin like mangos, and is closely related to the cherimoya, soursop and ylang-ylang, producing a yellowish fruit pulp that is sweet and custard-like—great for ice creams, smoothies or desserts—and several large black seeds that are discarded upon eating.
There are numerous cultivars that produce fruit with different characteristics. As the fruits do not ship well unless they are frozen and also don’t last long when ripe, they have limited availability and commercial potential as a fresh fruit. Although plant breeders are working on finding varieties better for commercialization.
Native Americans were known to not only eat the Paw Paw fruit, but also use parts of the plant medicinally, and later settlers adapted to using the plant as well.
Leaves and fruit were consumed for joint and muscle health, blood sugar balance, respiratory health and also cytokine balance. The sap, skin of the fruit and leaf juice was also used for skin health and wound healing.
The fibers of the inner bark were also harvested and used for making cords which had multiple uses, such as for baskets, nets and ropes. A yellow dye was also made from the pulp of the ripened fruit. Various plant parts are used for insect control.
Through scientific investigation, Paw Paw extracts have been found to exhibit multiple activities. Various bioactive alkaloids and acetogenins are present and under investigation. As the fruit has been documented to contain the neurotoxin annonacin, however, there is potential concern for risk of neurodegeneration from overconsumption.
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*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.