Edible Plants of the World

Asimoya, Custard apple, Pawpaw

It is a temperate plant. It is native to North America. It prefers rich soil. It is best with some shade. It will tolerate reasonable frost. It needs a growing season of 6-8 months but then can tolerate temperatures. It suits hardiness zones 5-10. Arboretum Tasmania.

Also known as:

Hoosier Banana, Michigan banana, North American pawpaw, Poor Man's Banana

Synonyms

Edible Portion

Where does Asimoya grow?

Found in: Afghanistan, Australia, Britain, Canada, Europe, North America, Tasmania, United States

Notes: There are 7 or 8 Asimina species.

Status: The fruit is nutritious.

Growing Asimoya, Custard apple, Pawpaw

Cultivation: They are grown from seed. They seed need cold treatment before they will grow. Plants do not transplant easily because of the deep taproot.

Edible Uses: The ripe fruit have the consistency of a custard and are eaten. They are also used for preserves, ice cream, cakes and sweet desserts. Caution: The seeds are toxic. Some people are allergic to this fruit.

Production: Trees are fairly slow growing. Plants commence after about 5 years. The fruit need to be very ripe before eating. They take 4-5 months to mature after fruit set. Trees can produce 50-100 fruit per tree each year. Fruit only store for 2-3 days at room temperature but for 3 weeks with refrigeration.

Nutrition Info

per 100g edible portion

Edible Part Energy (kcal) Protein (g) Iron (mg) Vitamin A (ug) Vitamin c (mg) Zinc (mg) % Water
Fruit 80 1.2 7 8.5 18.3 0.9
Fruit - - - - - -

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