Across the Northeast, the American pawpaw tree is gaining attention. This fruit-bearing tree is a central part of an initiative at the University at Albany aimed at cooling urban areas and providing fresh food to local communities.
While pawpaws are commonly known in the South, they are actually the largest edible fruit native to North America. Researchers at UAlbany have started planting these trees in an effort to increase greenery in the city.
Sky Eigen, a project assistant at the Institute for Transformational and Ecosystem-based Climate Adaptation (ITECA), is leading this effort. “We’re planting trees and training students to create a tree nursery on campus. With a nationwide tree and seed shortage, we’re focusing on growing pawpaws and planting them throughout the city,” Eigen explained.
With a generous $5 million grant from the U.S. Forest Service, UAlbany researchers are working in underserved communities to tackle food deserts and contribute to ecological restoration. The shade from pawpaw trees can lower urban temperatures by as much as 10 degrees on hot days, providing much-needed relief.
Eigen noted that about 260 trees have already been planted in Albany. Many were placed by Radix, an ecological sustainability center with a history of tree planting. “We’ve been planting various fruit trees downtown, including pawpaws,” Eigen shared.
These trees take five to seven years to bear fruit, which typically ripens around September and October. The fruit has a creamy texture and flavor reminiscent of banana and mango. However, its short shelf life makes it impractical for commercial sale.
According to Dr. Ríobart Breen, the director of ITECA, the pawpaw is well-suited for urban environments thanks to its resilience to extreme heat and humidity. Still, it faces challenges due to reduced local populations over time. “Pawpaws aren’t always commercially viable because they bruise easily and don’t look perfect on the outside, but they are delicious,” Dr. Breen said.
Trees like the pawpaw could transform urban areas into cooling centers. Eigen pointed out that under the shade of a tree during summer, temperatures can feel up to 30 degrees cooler. In neighborhoods with ample tree cover, temperatures can drop by as much as 12 degrees, significantly enhancing comfort for residents.
The researchers are also exploring the idea of planting more fruit and nut trees in low-income neighborhoods, aiming to provide free, healthy food to those who need it most.
As the pawpaw tree gains popularity, social media discussions reflect a growing interest in local foods and sustainable practices. Users are sharing recipes and information about pawpaws, highlighting a resurgence in interest that echoes past agricultural trends where native plants played a vital role in local diets.
In summary, the pawpaw tree is not just a fruit tree; it’s a vital part of urban climate adaptation strategies and community health initiatives. By bringing nature back into the city, projects like these could make our urban spaces less hot and more nourishing. For more information about the American pawpaw tree and its benefits, visit the U.S. Forest Service website.
