Table 4. Traits to be Considered When Selecting Pawpaws

Trait What Should Be Considered As Good
Flesh Color Orange
Fruit Size 10 ounces (284 g) or more
Seediness Seeds the size of a nickel (19 mm dia.) and less than 12 per fruit
Flavor & Quality of Flesh This is a very subjective trait, but typically mild, sweet, smooth texture and no unpleasant aftertaste are desired.
Appearance Skin relatively free from blemishes; fruit uniformly shaped.
Quality After Storage Two to three weeks of refrigerated storage should not greatly reduce eating quality.
Time of Ripening Fruit should ripen between mid-September and mid-October. Later ripening limits usefulness in the northern U.S., while earlier ripening does not take full advantage of the growing season.
Winter Hardiness Plant should overwinter in zone 5.


   

*The Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)
*Taxonomy
*Distribution
*Cultivars
*Propagation
*Enemies
*Miscellaneous
*Improvements
*Research Needs
*Table 1 - Descriptions for Species of Asimina Native to the United States Mainland
*Table 2 - Nomclature of Asimina Species
*Table 3 - Pawpaw Cultivars
*Table 4 - Traits to be Considered When Selecting Pawpaws
*Figure 1 - Distribution of Asimina triloba in the united States
*Figure 2 - Distribution of Asimina Species Native to Extreme Southeastern United States
*Figure 3 - Distribution of Asimina parviflora in the United States
*References