What’s a pawpaw? See where the largest fruit native to the US grows

WASHINGTON —

One of the appeals of the pawpaw? They make people laugh.

“I think they are kind of funny, actually, like they make people laugh in a way,” said Chris Chmiel, owner of Integration Acres in Albany, Ohio.

They also have distinctive characteristics. The pawpaw, which is the largest fruit native to North America, is custard-like and has a flavor profile that is somewhere between a mango, banana and pineapple. They are also highly perishable with a short ripening season between late-August and early October.

Despite these traits, pawpaws have had a surge in popularity in recent years.

“Farmers, they're trying to find ways to make a living, and they see that pawpaws are something that are valuable and they're unique,” Chmiel said. “So I think that a lot of people are hoping tha