Missouri is looking to capitalize on its state fruit: the pawpaws. Researchers are working on how to make these fruits tastier and more resilient [1]. While many people have never heard of a pawpaw, they also plan on encouraging residents to try the fruit.
What Are Pawpaws?
Pawpaws are edible fruits. They grow to three to six inches long. Similar to mangoes, they have waxy, green skin. The fruit is almost custard-like. It is pale yellow on the inside. While one can simply scoop out the flesh and eat it, one should not eat the hard, black seeds. The seeds are poisonous. The pawpaws also do not last long when ripe,
Nutritional Content Of Pawpaws
Similar to many tropical fruits, pawpaws are loaded with a variety of vitamins. Welding only 80 calories, pawpaws contain vitamin C, riboflavin, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and iron. They hold only 18 carbohydrates with 1 gram of fiber and 1 gram of protein.
Missouri’s Presence
Although common to many eastern states, pawpaws are known as “Ozark bananas” because of their growth in the area. The Center for Agroforestry at the University of Missouri has started a project. This project will analyze the production and marketing of pawpaws. This project will search 5 items:
- pawpaw production for current and upcoming producers
- knowledge of market size, supply and demand trends, and competitors
- increasing public popularity
- a better understanding of consumer preferences
- understanding of the potential benefits of growing and processing pawpaws
As pawpaws are a fruit that does not stay ripe long, transporting the fruits without bruising the flesh is being investigated.
How To Eat
Pawpaws can be eaten in many different ways. Besides eating fresh, and spooning out the fruit, one can make drinks. Weasel Boy Brewing in Zanesville, Ohio, uses pawpaws to brew beer. It is not recommended to heat the fruit [2]. Instead, try adding it to your favorite vanilla pudding recipes, morning smoothie, or frozen yogurt recipe.
Pawpaws ripen from September through October here in Missouri. If you have not tried pawpaw, try visiting a local farmer’s market. There may be some to sell.
Notes:
- ^https://twitter.com/springfieldNL/status/1579102129939427328?t=yVayCBQhHlG6CxcxkamXPg&s=03 (go back ↩)
- ^https://www.seriouseats.com/what-are-pawpaws-wild-fruit-midwest-how-to-prep-and-eat-pawpaws (go back ↩)
