Pawpaw Nutrition

Pawpaw is more nutritious than most of the commonly available domestic fruits. Research from Kentucky State University and USDA analyses shows it's unusually high in protein and essential amino acids for a fruit, with strong micronutrient content across vitamins and minerals. It was a significant food source for Native American communities across its range — and for good reason.

Nutritional Profile (per 100g edible pulp)

How Pawpaw Compares

• More protein than most fruits: Pawpaw's protein content is notably higher than apples, peaches, and most berries — closer to avocado in this respect
• More iron than banana: Iron content is significantly higher than banana, making pawpaw one of the better fruit sources of this mineral
• Higher magnesium than apple or peach: Magnesium is one of pawpaw's standout minerals — critical for muscle function, sleep, and hundreds of enzymatic processes
• Vitamin C competitive with citrus: A serving of pawpaw provides substantial Vitamin C — comparable to an orange on a per-100g basis
• Antioxidants: Contains carotenoids and flavonoids, particularly in orange-fleshed cultivars. Research on pawpaw antioxidant content is ongoing.

Other Bioactive Compounds

Beyond conventional nutrition, pawpaw contains acetogenins — the same compounds that make the bark, leaves, and seeds toxic to insects and that give the tree its remarkable pest resistance. Research has explored acetogenins for potential anti-tumor properties, though this work is still in early stages and should not be interpreted as medical claims.

The seeds and bark contain significantly higher concentrations of these compounds than the fruit pulp. The edible flesh is safe and the focus of all the nutritional interest above. Do not eat the seeds.