For the Love of Pawpaws

Book excerpt: How to cultivate, harvest, and utilize North America's largest native fruit It is hard to eat more than one pawpaw at a go. The creamy rich pulp with tropical flavors ranging from mango and pineapple to banana combine like a satisfying dessert. The pawpaw, a close relative of the tropical custard apple, grows throughout much of North America yet culturally and horticulturally we know very little about it. This mini manual by edible landscape author Michael Judd jumps right into growing, caring for, harvesting, and using pawpaws - from seed to table. Judd demystifies fruit growing in direct, easy to follow steps that quickly brings confidence to the newbie grower while expanding the horizons of curious gardeners. Historically most people have only experienced foraged pawpaw fruit, which can be a hit or miss game for a good experience. That is quickly changing as selected and bred cultivars are being grown and shared. Judd's pawpaw manual gets you started right away with the best selections and approaches. Filled with straightforward how-to, colorful pictures and illustrations For the Love of Pawpaws brings to life easy and successful ways to enjoy the best pawpaws have to offer. Chapters include: Where Can I Grow Pawpaws? Buying a Good Pawpaw Tree Growing Pawpaws from Seed & Grafting Landscaping Ideas Ecological Tree Care Harvest: Fruit Handling & Processing What to Do with All this Fruit Recipes Pawpaws & Permaculture Discover the many reasons pawpaws are edible landscape and culinary all-stars For the Love of Pawpaws will take you on an adventure that culminates in one of life's most rewarding experiences. A delicious opportunity to enjoy organic gardening and gourmet food at it best.