The part of a pawpaw you eat, the soft ripe pulp, is safe and good for most people. Most pawpaw side effects come from the parts you should leave alone: the skin, the seeds, and any fruit that is still hard and green. Eat the ripe pulp and you get a sweet, custard-like treat full of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Many people say a ripe pawpaw tastes like a blend of banana and mango. The fruit has fed people in the eastern United States for generations. Trouble tends to show up only when you eat too much at once or bite into the wrong part.
You might still ask, is pawpaw safe to eat? For most healthy people, the ripe pulp goes down fine. The skin, the seeds, and the unripe fruit hold natural compounds known as acetogenins. These compounds can upset your stomach, which is one reason you spit out the seeds and never chew them. Green, firm fruit can do the same. Wait until the fruit turns soft and gives a little when you press it with your thumb.
Eating a big bowl of pawpaw in one sitting can leave you with a mild stomach ache or loose stools. This is the most common of the mild pawpaw side effects. It clears up on its own within a few hours. A small number of people are sensitive to the fruit itself and feel queasy even after a normal serving. If your stomach reacts, cut your portion in half the next time and see how you feel before you reach for more.
The plant can bother your skin as well as your stomach. Some gardeners report pawpaw skin irritation after handling the leaves, the stems, or the fresh fruit for a while. You might notice a mild rash or an itch across your hands and wrists. The sap is the usual cause, not the ripe pulp you eat. If your skin tends to react to garden plants, pull on a pair of gloves before you pick the fruit and rinse your hands once you finish.
A few people should take extra care with pawpaw. If you are pregnant or nursing, there is little research on the fruit. It is smart to ask your doctor before you make it a habit. Anyone on prescription medicine can check as well, since the fruit is new to many diets. Start with a small taste and give your body a day to show how it handles the fruit.
A few simple habits keep pawpaw on the safe side and let you enjoy the fruit without any worry. Stick to the ripe, soft pulp and treat the rest of the plant as off limits. The short list below covers what to keep in mind each time you pick a pawpaw or slice one open for a snack.
- Eat: Enjoy only the ripe, soft pulp and skip the skin and any green, firm fruit.
- Seeds: Spit out the large seeds and never chew or swallow them.
- Gloves: Wear gloves while you harvest if your skin reacts to plants.
- Amount: Keep your portion small at first and eat pawpaw in moderation.
- Doctor: Check with your doctor first if you are pregnant or have a health concern.
For most people, pawpaw is a safe and healthy fruit that is worth trying when the fruit ripens each fall. Respect the seeds and the skin, keep your first few servings small, and your stomach should stay happy. If you feel off after eating a pawpaw, stop for the day and talk with your doctor about it.
Read the full article: Pawpaw Tree: Complete Growing and Care Guide
