PAWPAW TREES

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 from seed.  Since pawpaws are not self-pollinating, two trees were needed - and that's exactly how much room was available in the garden orchard to accept the trees.

A gardening friend was on hand to help prep the ground for the trees - first digging up the sod then the hole into which the Elmore Roots-supplied tree planting mix was added along with good old Moo Doo Soil.  

The tree was then placed in the hole and supported with a stake to brace it against winter's north wind, a wire basket placed around the trunk to keep the critters from gnawing the bark, and the hole filled in.  A good watering followed, with cardboard and wood chips placed around the tree to help contain weeds.

Deer fencing was installed around the tree, as the orchard is not fenced and there are plenty of deer visiting over the winter, although deer are not known to eat the leaves, twigs or bark.  Better safe than sorry!

Now it's a matter of patience, as it will be 3-5 years before the tree starts producing fruit and we get our first taste of pawpaw.  If it's as good as those in the know say it is, it will be worth the wait!