Handles fruit (6)
I believe the answer is:
pawpaw
'fruit' is the definition.
(I know that pawpaw is a type of edible fruit)
I can't explain the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for pawpaw that I've seen before include "Custard apple tree" , "foul once" , "Fruit" , "Papaya" .)