The pawpaw is a unique/unusual fruit crop with high nutritional value and potential for both fresh and processed market uses. As a food source, pawpaw exceeds apple, peach, and grapes in vitamin, mineral, amino acid, and food energy values (see nutritional chart). The current and primary market for fruit is as a fresh product in farmers markets and other direct sales outlets. Though large-scale commercial processing markets do not yet exist, the fruit’s intense flavor and aroma have significant potential in blended fruit drinks, baby food, ice cream, and as a substitute for banana in various baking recipes. In Kentucky and Ohio, various entrepreneurs are utilizing pawpaws in alcoholic beverages such as beer and as a local cuisine item for restaurants and in frozen custard and ice cream products.
There are valuable natural compounds in the plant, which have both anti-carcinogenic and pesticidal properties. Aromatic compounds in the fruit have potential for use in cosmetics and home products. Research has shown that pawpaws have a diversity of natural compounds in fruit, leaves, bark, and twigs. One class of compounds known as annoaceous acetogenins occurs in leaves and twigs and has reported anti-tumor properties. Currently, Purdue University has patented an extraction procedure and the development of an herbal formulation is underway by a private company. An alkaloid, asimicin, is found in the seeds, leaves, and bark of pawpaw and is reported to have pesticidal properties. Pawpaws are resistant to insect and disease pressure. This may be due to asimicin and other natural defense compounds. With proper management, organic production of pawpaw is feasible. Aromatic constituents isolated from fruit may hold potential for marketing as well.
Most recently, pawpaws have become a hit with distillers and craft brewers. Some of the newest micro-brews are now are being made with pawpaws and pawpaw extracts. We are proud to support pawpaw beers and their brewers and are accepting sourcing bids now for the 2015 harvest season. Pawpaw also make sweet, flavorful wines and exquisite schnapps.
