American Pawpaw (Asimina triloba): What You Need to Know

The American pawpaw is a native North American tree that produces a soft, tropical-tasting fruit. People call it pawpaw, paw paw, or by its scientific name Asimina triloba. Curious about health benefits or thinking of trying the fruit or a supplement? Read on for practical facts you can use today.

What the pawpaw is and how to use the fruit

The ripe pawpaw looks like a small mango or large mango-like pod. Inside you'll find soft, custard-like flesh and several hard seeds you don't eat. Eat it fresh when it smells sweet and gives slightly when pressed. You can also blend the flesh into smoothies, freeze it for later, or use it in baked goods and ice cream. The taste is often described as a mix of banana, mango, and melon.

Pawpaw fruit is seasonal and perishable. Buy local at farmers' markets in late summer and early fall if you can. If you find canned or frozen pawpaw, check labels for added sugar and preservatives.

Health claims, evidence, and safety

People talk about pawpaw for immune support, digestion, and even more serious claims like anticancer effects. Here’s the straight truth: early lab studies show certain compounds in pawpaw seeds and bark—called acetogenins—can affect cancer cells in test tubes. That doesn’t mean pawpaw treats cancer in people. Real clinical trials in humans are limited or lacking.

Thinking of taking a pawpaw supplement? Be careful. Supplements often use concentrated extracts from seeds or bark. Those parts contain stronger compounds and can cause side effects. Reported risks include stomach upset, nausea, and possible effects on the nervous system. If you have liver disease, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking prescription medicines, talk to your doctor before using any pawpaw product.

Also watch for product quality problems. Some pawpaw supplements are mislabeled or mixed with other herbs. Choose brands that provide third-party testing and clear ingredient lists. If a product promises a miracle, treat it skeptically.

For kids and pets: do not feed pawpaw seeds or unprocessed bark. The fruit flesh is generally safe in normal food amounts, but seeds are toxic if chewed or swallowed in quantity.

Practical buying tips: prefer fresh fruit from trusted sellers, choose frozen or canned with no added sugar when fresh isn’t available, and pick supplements with lab tests and transparent sourcing. Start with a low dose if you try a supplement and watch for any reactions for several days.

Final thought: pawpaw fruit can be a tasty seasonal treat with vitamins and fiber. Supplements carry more risk and less proven benefit. If you want to explore pawpaw for health reasons, talk to a healthcare professional and stick to reputable products.