The Sporkful On The Hunt For The Elusive Pawpaw
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Aug 18, 2025 Sara Bir, an author and recipe developer with a passion for foraging, takes listeners on an adventurous hunt for the elusive pawpaw, North America’s largest native fruit. She shares why pawpaws are both beloved and challenging, likening their flavor to a mix of mango and banana, while discussing their rarity and quirky culinary uses. As Sara and her co-host embark on this delicious quest in New York, they dive into the vibrant community surrounding pawpaw festivals and the deeper cultural significance this enigmatic fruit holds.
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Pawpaw's Native But Tropical Paradox
- Pawpaws are North America's largest native fruit with tropical-tasting relatives despite growing in temperate zones.
- They are uncommon in stores because they spoil quickly and must be foraged or bought locally.
Seek Season And Festivals For Pawpaws
- Do forage in season: pawpaws ripen in September (sometimes into October) and are best fresh.
- Check local pawpaw festivals or community lists to find fruit if you can't forage yourself.
How One Pawpaw Sparked An Obsession
- Sara Bir discovered pawpaws after seeing a broken fruit on a trail and confirmed it by smell and taste.
- That first bite launched her long-term obsession and led her to write a Pocket Pawpaw Cookbook.
