Knowing when to pick pawpaw is the secret to enjoying this unique fruit at its absolute best. If you pick it too early, it will never develop its full, custard-like flavor. If you wait too long, you might find it already claimed by wildlife or overripe on the ground. This guide will walk you through the clear signs that your pawpaw is perfectly ripe and ready for harvest.
Pawpaws are the largest native fruit in North America, with a tropical taste that surprises many. They don’t ripen well on the tree, so timing your harvest is crucial. Let’s look at the signals nature gives you.
When To Pick Pawpaw1 – Perfectly Ripe And Ready
This heading is your main goal. A pawpaw at this stage will offer the ideal eating experience. The fruit gives you several physical clues that it’s time to be picked.
The Color Change Test
Skin color is one of the most reliable indicators. An unripe pawpaw is a firm, bright green. As it matures, the color deepens and changes.
- Look for a shift from green to a yellowish-green or even a golden hue.
- The skin may develop slight blackish speckles or blotches, which is normal.
- The overall appearance becomes less vibrant and more muted.
Remember, color can vary slightly by variety. Some may stay more green, while others turn almost yellow. Use color in combination with other tests.
The Feel and Firmness Check
Gently squeeze the fruit. Its firmness tells a clear story. An unripe pawpaw will be hard as a rock, like a green apple.
- A ripe pawpaw yields to gentle pressure, similar to a ripe peach or avocado.
- It should feel slightly soft, but not mushy. If it feels like a water balloon, it’s overripe.
- The skin may bruise easily under your fingers when it’s ready.
The Stem Detachment Signal
This is often the best sign of all. A truly ready pawpaw will detach from the tree with minimal effort.
- Cup the fruit gently in your hand.
- Give it a slight, upward twist. Don’t yank or pull hard.
- If the stem snaps cleanly from the branch with little force, it’s ripe.
- If it resists and holds on firmly, leave it for another few days.
This easy separation means the tree has naturally abscised the fruit. It’s a surefire sign of peak ripeness.
The Scent Indicator
Bring the fruit close to your nose. A ripe pawpaw emits a sweet, floral, and fruity aroma. If you can’t smell anything, it’s probably not ready. The scent is often compared to a mix of banana, mango, and melon. When you catch that sweet smell, it’s a great clue.
What About Size?
Size alone isn’t a good indicator of ripeness. Pawpaws stop growing long before they ripen. A fruit may reach its full size in mid-summer but not be ready to pick until weeks later. Always rely on color, feel, and the stem test first.
What to Do After Picking
Pawpaws continue to ripen off the tree. If your fruit is slightly firm but shows good color, you can harvest it and let it finish indoors.
- Place firm pawpaws at room temperature, out of direct sunlight.
- Check them daily for softness and aroma.
- Once they yield to gentle pressure, they are ready to eat.
- Ripe pawpaws can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days to slow further ripening.
For longer storage, the pulp freezes exceptionally well. Just scoop it out, remove the seeds, and freeze it in an airtight container.
Common Harvesting Challenges
You might face a few obstacles when trying to pick pawpaws at the perfect moment.
Wildlife Competition
Squirrels, raccoons, opossums, and deer also love pawpaws. They often beat gardeners to the fruit. If you notice animals showing interest, you may need to pick a tad early and ripen indoors. Using organza bags or mesh bags to cover developing fruit clusters can help protect them.
Fruit Drop
Pawpaw trees naturally shed some fruit in early summer. This is normal thinning. The ripe fruit drop in late season is what you want to prevent. Check your trees frequently as the harvest window approaches to avoid losing your crop to the ground.
High-Hanging Fruit
Pawpaw trees can be tall. Use a long pole with a picking basket or a gentle shaking technique. For shaking, place a tarp under the tree and give a branch a firm shake. Only the ripe fruit, which detaches easily, will fall. This is a efficient method for collecting a lot of fruit quickly.
The Best Time of Day to Harvest
Early morning is often ideal. The fruit is cool and firm, making it less likely to bruise during handling. Avoid picking in the heat of the afternoon when the fruit is softest. Handle them carefully, as their thin skin bruises easily, which can lead to faster spoilage.
How to Tell if a Pawpaw is Overripe
Sometimes you’ll miss the perfect window. Here’s how to spot an overripe fruit:
- The skin turns very dark, almost black, and feels mushy.
- It may have an fermented or alcoholic smell.
- The flesh inside will be brownish and unpleasantly soft.
If only part of the fruit is overripe, you can sometimes salvage the good portion. But it’s best to compost fruits that are too far gone.
Using Your Harvest
Once you have your perfectly ripe pawpaws, the options are wonderful. The flesh is creamy and sweet. Simply cut them in half, scoop out the seeds with a spoon, and eat the pulp. You can also:
- Blend the pulp into smoothies or milkshakes.
- Use it as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt.
- Make pawpaw bread, muffins, or pudding.
- Churn it into ice cream for a real treat.
The seeds are large and easy to remove. Just be sure not to bite into them, as they contain mild toxins.
Seasonal Timing by Region
The general pawpaw season runs from late August through September, sometimes into early October. However, this varies:
- Southern Zones (e.g., Georgia): Ripening can begin in early to mid-August.
- Mid-Atlantic/Northeast (e.g., Ohio, Pennsylvania): Typically late August to late September.
- Upper Midwest (e.g., Michigan): Often September into early October.
Your local climate and the specific summer weather will affect the exact timing. A hot summer may advance the season, while a cool one can delay it.
FAQ: Your Pawpaw Picking Questions Answered
How do I know when pawpaws are ripe?
Look for a color change to yellow-green, a slight softness when squeezed, a sweet smell, and easy stem detachment when gently twisted.
Will pawpaws ripen after picking?
Yes, they will. If picked when just starting to soften and show color, they will ripen fully at room temperature in a few days.
What is the best way to pick a pawpaw?
Gently twist the fruit. If it comes off easily in your hand, it’s ready. If not, leave it on the tree a bit longer.
Can you eat pawpaw skin?
No, the skin is bitter and not pleasant to eat. Always scoop out the sweet, creamy pulp and discard the skin and seeds.
Why are my pawpaws falling off the tree green?
Some early fruit drop is normal. If many are falling, it could be due to drought stress, poor pollination, or natural thinning by the tree.
How long do ripe pawpaws last?
At room temperature, they last only a day or two once ripe. In the refrigerator, you can extend that to 3-4 days. For long-term storage, freeze the pulp.
Mastering the art of picking pawpaws takes a little practice, but it’s worth the effort. By paying close attention to the fruit’s color, feel, and scent, you’ll be able to harvest them at their peak. There’s nothing quite like the taste of a pawpaw you’ve grown and picked yourself at the perfect moment. With these tips, you’ll waste less fruit and enjoy more of that incredible, tropical flavor right from your own backyard.