When to Pick Pawpaws: A Guide for Beginners
If you’re lucky enough to have a pawpaw tree in your yard, you’re in for a treat! Pawpaw trees are native to North America and produce delicious, tropical-flavored fruit. But how do you know when pawpaws are ripe and ready to pick? Read on to find out everything you need to know about harvesting pawpaws.
Pawpaw Picking Season
Pawpaw picking season varies depending on the cultivar and where you live. Generally, you can start harvesting pawpaws in midsummer and continue through the first frost. However, it’s important to be patient and wait until the fruit is fully ripe for the best flavor.
How to Tell if Pawpaws Are Ripe
Pawpaws don’t always change color when they’re ripe, so it’s important to use other indicators to determine when they’re ready to pick. Here are a few things to look for:
- Smell: Ripe pawpaws give off a wonderful fruity aroma.
- Feel: The fruit should be soft to the touch, like a ripe peach or avocado.
- Color: While some pawpaw cultivars do change color when ripe, others do not. If your pawpaws do change color, they may turn a lighter shade of green or yellow.
- Slip: When a pawpaw is ripe, it will often slip easily from the tree with a gentle tug.
Harvesting Pawpaws
Once you’ve determined that your pawpaws are ripe, it’s time to harvest them. Here are a few tips:
- Use a ladder: Pawpaw trees can grow tall, so you may need to use a ladder to reach the fruit.
- Be careful not to damage the fruit: Pawpaws are delicate, so be careful not to bruise or crush them.
- Store pawpaws properly: Pawpaws can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, it’s best to eat them fresh from the tree for the best flavor.
What to Do with Ripe Pawpaws
Pawpaws are a versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are a few ideas:
- Eat them fresh: Pawpaws are delicious eaten fresh out of hand.
- Make pawpaw smoothies: Pawpaws make a delicious and nutritious smoothie.
- Use pawpaws in desserts: Pawpaws can be used in pies, tarts, and other desserts.
- Make pawpaw ice cream: Pawpaw ice cream is a refreshing and unique treat.
- Can or freeze pawpaws: Pawpaws can be canned or frozen for later use.
Additional Tips
- Be patient: It takes time for pawpaws to ripen. Don’t rush the process, or you’ll end up with fruit that is not as flavorful.
- Experiment with different cultivars: There are many different pawpaw cultivars available, each with its own unique flavor and ripening time. Try growing a few different cultivars to find the ones you like best.
- Enjoy the fruit of your labor: Pawpaws are a delicious and rewarding fruit to grow. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and share them with your friends and family!
