Hungry Fifi
Virginia

VA: Pawpaw Hunting

SHARE ON

This September, I finally checked something off my foodie bucket list: hunting for the elusive Pawpaw fruit at the annual Newport News Pawpaw Festival! For those of you unfamiliar with this magical fruit, let me introduce you to America’s best-kept secret. The pawpaw, native to the eastern United States, is often referred to as the forgotten fruit, though it's been enjoyed for centuries by Native Americans and early settlers alike. And now, thanks to festivals like this one, it’s making a comeback.

Pawpaw Trees

What’s a Pawpaw, anyway?

Imagine a fruit that tastes like a banana-mango custard. Yep, it’s as dreamy as it sounds. The pawpaw is often described as a tropical fruit hiding in plain sight in North America. With its custard-like flesh and a sweet, tropical flavor, it feels like something you’d find in the Caribbean, not the woodlands of Virginia. The texture is soft and creamy, almost pudding-like, which makes it perfect for enjoying as is or adding to desserts, smoothies, or even on top of yogurt.

The Festival Experience

The Newport News Pawpaw Festival, hosted annually at the end of August, is all about celebrating this underappreciated fruit. Pawpaw hunting itself is a fun, hands-on experience. Armed with a basket and a good pair of shoes, you head into the woods to search for the fruits, which grow on smallish but tall trees. The best method? Give the trees a gentle shake and wait for the ripe fruits to fall. It’s like apple picking but way more fun because it feels like finding hidden treasure.

This year, I was lucky enough to collect a basket full of these green delights. As someone who has been wanting to try pawpaws for years, the experience was everything I hoped it would be. There’s something so satisfying about foraging for your own food and then turning it into something special at home.

How I’m Using My Pawpaw Stash

Back at home, we’ve been savoring these sweet bites in every way possible. I’ve eaten them plain (because they’re just that good), but I’ve also been experimenting. So far, my favorite has been pawpaw chunks over Greek yogurt or Vanilla ice cream, it’s the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and tangy. I’m also toying with the idea of turning some of my stash into pawpaw jam or even pickling them for a unique twist.

Why You Should Try Pawpaw

If you haven’t heard of or tasted pawpaw before, now’s the time to dive in! It’s America’s most indigenous fruit, and you’ll be supporting a local food revival.

Have you ever tried pawpaw or even heard of it? Let me know in the comments! If not, maybe it’s time to hunt for some next season.

Post Tags:

Join the Conversation

Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You Might Also Like

Hungry Fifi
Hungry Fifi

Socials

Newsletter

Copyright © 2024 HungryFifi. All Rights Reserved 
crossmenu