Paw paw fruit is one of those wild foods you might walk past on a hike without realizing what you’ve found. Native to parts of the eastern and central United States, including Missouri and Illinois, the paw paw is a soft, tropical-tasting fruit that grows on small trees, often along wooded areas and streams.
In this video, I try a paw paw fruit and give you my take on what it tastes like. The flavor is often compared to a combination of banana, mango, and melon, with a creamy texture that makes it unlike most other native Missouri fruits.
If you enjoy hiking, exploring Missouri’s outdoors, and discovering things you don’t normally see on the trail, finding pawpaws can be a fun part of the adventure.
NOTE: I picked this paw paw up at the Paw Paw Fest at the Ferguson Farmer’s Market recently. The paw paws were provided by Earthdance.
Collecting Paw Paws in the Wild: What You Should Know
Finding paw paws or Asimina triloba in the wild can be one of the fun surprises of a late-summer or early-fall hike.
But before you start filling your backpack with paw paws, there are a few things you should know about identifying ripe fruit, handling it, and, most importantly, where you are legally allowed to collect it.
Know What a Paw Paw Looks Like
Paw paw trees are commonly found in rich, relatively moist woods, particularly along streams.
The fruit is generally oblong and can be 2 to 5 inches long. When ripe, the flesh becomes yellow or orange, soft and custard-like.
If you aren’t completely certain you’ve found a paw paw, don’t eat it. University of Missouri Extension recommends positively identifying wild plants before eating them.
Wait for Ripe Paw Paws
One of the easiest ways to tell that a paw paw is ready is its texture. Ripe fruit becomes very soft and aromatic, while unripe paw paws are harder and generally have green skin.
In Missouri, the main paw paw harvest season generally runs from late August through September and can sometimes extend into early October.
A ripe paw paw can also fall from the tree on its own. When collecting, handle the fruit carefully, as ripe paw paws bruise easily.
Paw Paws Don’t Last Long
This is one of the biggest things to remember if you find a good patch.
Ripe paw paws are highly perishable. University of Missouri Extension says ripe harvested fruit has a shelf life of less than five days and recommends refrigerating it as soon as possible.
If you collect more than you can eat right away, the pulp can be removed from the skin and seeds and frozen for later use.
Don’t Eat the Seeds
The edible portion of a paw paw is the soft fruit surrounding the large seeds. Remove the seeds before eating or processing the pulp.
Because paw paws can vary in flavor depending on ripeness and the individual tree, your experience may be different from someone else’s. Some wild fruit can taste unpleasant if itis underripe or overripe.
Be Careful Where You Collect
This may be the most important part of collecting wild paw paws: you need to know the rules for the property where you’re hiking.
Missouri State Parks generally prohibit removal of plants, animals and other natural resources without written permission.
There are specific provisions in Missouri State Parks regulations concerning small quantities of wild edible fruits, berries, seeds and nuts for personal consumption at some parks, so don’t assume the rules are identical everywhere. Check the regulations for the specific park before collecting.
If you’re hiking on private property, you should also have the landowner’s permission before collecting.
Don’t Take Every Paw Paw
Even when collection is permitted, it’s worth leaving some fruit behind.
Paw paws are part of the woodland ecosystem, and wildlife also uses the fruit as a food source. A good wild-harvesting practice is to take only what you will actually use and leave plenty behind.
You also don’t need to damage the tree or its branches to collect the fruit.
Avoid Roadside Paw Paws
I would also avoid collecting fruit growing immediately beside busy roads. University of Missouri Extension advises avoiding roadside wild edibles because of potential exposure to vehicle exhaust residue and agricultural chemicals.
Instead, look for paw paws in appropriate woodland areas where you have permission to harvest.
My Paw Paw Adventure
For me, finding a pawpaw is part of what makes hiking interesting. You can head into the woods expecting to see trees, rocks, and wildlife, and suddenly discover a native fruit that looks and tastes completely different from the fruit you normally find at the grocery store.
If you’ve never tried a paw paw, finding one in the wild can make for a pretty memorable hiking experience.
Just remember: identify it correctly, wait until it’s ripe, handle it carefully, know the land’s harvesting rules and take only what you need.
Paw Paw Fruit FAQ
What does paw paw fruit taste like?
Paw paw has a sweet, creamy texture and a tropical flavor often compared to bananas, mangoes, peaches, melons, and pineapples.
When can you find paw paws in Missouri?
The primary harvest season in Missouri is generally late August through September, with some fruit available into early October.
Can you eat a paw paw right off the tree?
Yes, ripe paw paw flesh can be eaten fresh. Remove the skin and large seeds before eating.
How do you know when a paw paw is ripe?
Ripe paw paws become very soft and aromatic, while unripe fruit is firmer and generally green.
How long do paw paws last after picking?
They are highly perishable. Missouri Extension recommends refrigerating ripe fruit promptly; harvested ripe fruit generally has a shelf life of less than five days.
Can you pick paw paws in Missouri state parks?
Don’t assume you can. Missouri State Parks generally prohibit removing natural resources, although specific regulations provide limited exceptions for certain wild edible fruits, berries, seeds and nuts for personal consumption. Check the rules for the individual park before collecting.
Are paw paws native to Missouri?
Yes. The North American paw paw (Asimina triloba) is native to Missouri and much of the Midwest and the eastern United States.
Sources
- University of Missouri Extension — Growing and Marketing Pawpaw in Missouri
- University of Missouri Extension — The woods: Missouri’s other place to shop for food
- University of Missouri — Pawpaws: A Taste of the Tropics
- Missouri State Parks — Laws and Regulations
- Missouri State Parks — St. Francois State Park plant and mushroom collection regulations
- University of Missouri Extension — Wild edible safety guidance
Want to Know Where to Hike in Missouri?
The Ultimate Guide to Hiking Near St. Louis
Looking for the best hiking trails near St. Louis? You’ve come to the right place.
