Do you know what a pawpaw is? Now that you’re in Ohio and it’s September, you may be hearing about these distinctive native fruits quite frequently. Pawpaws ripen in September and are widely enjoyed by those who have developed a taste for the fruit’s bold flavors.
Pawpaws were of course savored by indigenous people, with the settlers who succeeded them also harvesting the fruits. But as other foods became available, pawpaws fell out of favor. Today, pawpaws are having a comeback, as more people have learned to enjoy the fruit, and because the tree is attractive and does well in local landscapes.
Sampling Pawpaws
Pawpaws aren’t easily found unless you have your own tree, as they have a short shelf life and aren’t sold in stores. But one way to sample the pawpaw and also have some fun is to attend the annual Pawpaw Festival Sept. 13-15 – less than 10 miles and a 10-minute drive to Lake Snowden in Albany from your student rentals close to OU.
Some of the events you can partake of, or merely gaze at in wonder as a bystander:
- Best pawpaw competition
- Pawpaw cookoff
- Pawpaw eating contest
- Brewer’s roundtable and tasting
Arts and crafts will be for sale, so come and look for something to decorate your apartment or house