Felix, a leading horticultural expert from Gurney's Seed & Nursery, shares some examples of pawpaw fruit and talks about their traits and characteristics. Pawpaw fruit is very tender and soft to the touch when ripe. Pawpaw fruit cannot be carried in grocery stores because the fruit only lasts about two weeks after being picked. This makes pawpaw trees the perfect "backyard fruit", as it must be picked at just the right time, and enjoyed soon after. Each fruit can ripen at differing times on a single pawpaw fruit cluster! The delicious, unique flavor is worth the extra time and effort. Browse all Gardening How-To Videos