Community Garden at Howe Farm

The pawpaw ( Asimina triloba ) is the only local member of a large, mainly-tropical plant family (Annonaceae), and produces the largest edible fruit native to North America.  The fruit ripens in late summer, and resembles a small, green potato.  The sweet, custard-like texture is why the fruit is also called custard apple, with a flavor  often compared to bananas, but with hints of mango, vanilla, and citrus.  It's rare to find the pawpaw fruit in stores, as they have a very short shelf life (1-2 days), and bruise easily. The pawpaw was a staple of native Americans who would mash and dry the fruit into cakes for winter storage.  It was a favorite of George Washington, who grew them at Mount Vernon, as did Thomas Jefferson at Monticello.  The tree has enjoyed a resurgence across the country, and two trees were planted at the Community Garden today.   A Vermont organic grower ( Elmore Roots in Wolcott, VT) was located who had pawpaw trees grown fro...