Pawpaw

Fruit

Last updated July 5, 2026. Can I Feed This safety guide guidance is checked against public pediatric and health sources, with source links included where available.

Written By

Tummi Food Team

Food prep and safety guidance

Medically Reviewed By

Andria ProcopioandArefa Mohamed

Pediatric feeding and development specialists

Direct answer

Can babies eat Pawpaw?

Yes, babies can eat ripe pawpaw fruit from around 6 months, avoiding skin and seeds, and introducing it in small amounts to monitor for any reaction.

6+months Serve Age: Most babies start solids around 6 months once they show readiness signs. Match the texture and serving size to your baby's skills.
How to serve
No Allergens: Pawpaw is not flagged as one of the major allergens tracked in this database. Still watch your baby closely when serving any new food.
Details
12345 1 Choking Risk: Lower choking risk when served in the right texture. Always supervise meals and adjust the shape for your baby.
Risk notes

This guide is for everyday food prep questions. Ask your pediatrician about medical concerns, feeding delays, allergy plans, or serious reactions.

How Do You Serve Pawpaw?

1
Cut the pawpaw into large sections (halves or quarters) so the child can hold the piece and clearly see the seeds.
2
Demonstrate how to find and remove each large seed using fingers or a small spoon, and explain that seeds are not safe to eat.
3
Allow the child to practice scooping out flesh and extracting seeds while you watch closely; provide a shallow bowl to collect seeds and reduce mess.
4
If seed-spitting is part of the activity, have the child spit seeds into a cup under supervision and wash hands afterwards.

Is Pawpaw a Common Allergen?

Dairy

Egg

Fish

Gluten

Tree Nut

Peanut

Sesame

Shellfish

Soy

Pawpaw (papaya) is not one of the common top‑8 allergens (milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat/gluten, fish, shellfish) but can cause reactions in some people—especially those with a latex allergy (latex‑fruit syndrome). Papaya contains the enzyme papain and proteins that can trigger contact dermatitis or, rarely, systemic allergic reactions. If your child has a known latex allergy or reacts to banana, avocado, or kiwi, avoid papaya and check with your allergist or pediatrician before introducing it.

Is Pawpaw a Choking Hazard?

Low Choking Risk

Slippery

Ripe pawpaw is very soft and generally presents a low choking risk for babies because it gives under gentle pressure. Still, any food can pose a choking hazard, so stay within arm’s reach during meals, supervise closely, and know the signs of choking and basic first aid.

Have More Questions?

It depends — freezing pureed pawpaw is safe and can be stored in an airtight container for up to three months to ensure freshness and convenience.

Yes, it is safe for babies when ripe and with skin and seeds removed. Ensure it is offered in moderation to prevent stomach upset, especially if cooked or in large quantities.

Yes, but only when the pawpaw is ripe and the skin and seeds are carefully removed, as seeds are toxic and skin can be difficult for babies to handle.

Yes, organic pawpaw can be given to babies just as conventional pawpaw can, but ensure it is ripe and properly prepared; organic options may reduce pesticide exposure.

It depends — combining pawpaw with other fruits that your baby has tried and tolerated well can be a good way to introduce new flavors and nutrients in a balanced diet.

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Sources

Hummer, K. E. (2020). Asimina Genetic Resources. USDA Agricultural Research Service ars.usda.gov
Peterson, R. N. (1991). Pawpaw (Asimina). Genetic resources of temperate fruit and nut trees. Acta Horticulturae, 290:567–600 kysu.edu
Potts, L.F., Luzzio, F.A., Smith, S.C., Hetman, M., Champy, P., et al. (2012). Annonacin in Asimina triloba fruit: implication for neurotoxicity. Neurotoxicology, 33(1):53-58 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Kaas, B., Hillis, A. E., & Pantelyat, A. (2020). Progressive supranuclear palsy and pawpaw. Neurology: Clinical Practice, 10(2), e17–e18 pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov