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It's time to get ready to celebrate National Pawpaw Day on the third Thursday in September! This day is dedicated to celebrating and appreciating the delicious pawpaw fruit, which has been around for centuries. Native Americans have long enjoyed this nutritious treat, which is often referred to as the "custard apple" due to its creamy texture. The pawpaw is a nutrient-dense superfood that is high in vitamins A and C, fiber, potassium and antioxidants. So why not whip up some sweet treats with this amazing fruit or just enjoy it as-is? Get ready for an extra special day of pawpaw festivities!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1541</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Discovery by Europeans</div><div class='timeline-text'>Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, is credited with the first written account of the pawpaw during a Mississippi valley journey.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Lewis and Clark Expedition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The famous explorers Lewis and Clark noted the usefulness of pawpaws on their expedition, using the fruit as a significant part of their diet when other resources were scarce.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1910s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Agricultural Research Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>The USDA began growing pawpaws for research purposes and started an experimental pawpaw farming project in Maryland in the early 20th century.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Pawpaw Recognition Grows</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Ohio Pawpaw Festival began, which created greater awareness and familiarity with the pawpaw fruit across a wider audience.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Pawpaw in Culinary World</div><div class='timeline-text'>Pawpaws began to be recognized in more culinary circles and started being used more frequently as an ingredient in commercial food products.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2017</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Pawpaw Day Inception</div><div class='timeline-text'>The inaugural National Pawpaw Day was celebrated on the third Thursday in September to increase awareness and appreciation for the indigenous American fruit.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Bake a pawpaw cake</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Baking a pawpaw cake is a great way to celebrate National Pawpaw Day. You can use fresh or frozen pawpaw for the cake and top it with cream cheese frosting.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make a pawpaw smoothie</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>A pawpaw smoothie is another great way to celebrate National Pawpaw Day. Simply blend together ice, pawpaw, banana, yogurt, and honey for a delicious treat.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a local farmer's market</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Visit your local farmer's market to pick up some fresh pawpaws and other fresh produce. Buy enough to make a few recipes or take some home as a special treat.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a pawpaw orchard</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to the nearest pawpaw orchard and pick your own fruit for the perfect celebration of National Pawpaw Day. Enjoy the scenery and the taste of freshly picked fruit!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a pawpaw dish</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Create your own unique dish using pawpaws either as the main ingredient or as an accent flavor. Try something new and get creative with your cooking.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Pawpaws are delicious</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Pawpaws have a sweet flavor that is similar to banana custard. They are often compared to bananas, mangos and peaches when it comes to their texture, but they have a unique flavor that can't be replicated by any other fruit. Eating pawpaws is an experience like no other!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Pawpaws are healthy</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Not only are pawpaws incredibly delicious to eat on their own, but they also provide great nutritional value as well. They are full of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and potassium, as well as dietary fiber. Eating pawpaws can help you stay healthy and energized!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Pawpaws support small farmers & businesses</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By purchasing locally sourced pawpaws from small family owned farms and businesses, you are helping to contribute to the local economy and providing much needed support to these hardworking people. Plus, you know you're getting high quality fruit that's been harvested with care!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Pawpaw is the largest edible fruit native to the United States</h3><p class='facts-content'>The pawpaw tree produces the largest edible fruit indigenous to the United States. The fruit can grow up to six inches in length and weigh between 200 and 400 grams, making it a substantial ingredient in any recipe.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Pawpaws have been used for medicinal purposes</h3><p class='facts-content'>Traditionally, Native Americans and early settlers used the bark, leaves, and seeds of the pawpaw tree for various medicinal purposes, including as a sedative and against parasitic infestations.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Pawpaw trees have their own pest resistance</h3><p class='facts-content'>The pawpaw tree has an inherent defense mechanism against pests. Its leaves, twigs, and bark produce natural insecticides known as acetogenins, making it easy to grow organically.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Pawpaws have a short harvest season</h3><p class='facts-content'>Wholesome pawpaws are typically available for harvest from late August through October, depending on the climate and location. This short season makes them a highly anticipated treat each year.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Pawpaw Trees have a Unique Pollination Process</h3><p class='facts-content'>Pawpaw flowers are not self-pollinating and they release an odor to attract their pollinators, usually flies and beetles. To improve the chances of getting fruit, often farmers must hand pollinate the blossoms.</p></div></div>
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