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National Pawpaw Day

Celebrate National Pawpaw Day with a delicious fruit smoothie or tasty pawpaw salad - the perfect way to enjoy this unique tropical flavor!

Thursday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEThird Thursday in September

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYFruit

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

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!

TIMELINE

National Pawpaw Day Timeline

Discovery by Europeans

Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, is credited with the first written account of the pawpaw during a Mississippi valley journey.

Lewis and Clark Expedition

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.

Agricultural Research Begins

The USDA began growing pawpaws for research purposes and started an experimental pawpaw farming project in Maryland in the early 20th century.

Pawpaw Recognition Grows

The Ohio Pawpaw Festival began, which created greater awareness and familiarity with the pawpaw fruit across a wider audience.

Pawpaw in Culinary World

Pawpaws began to be recognized in more culinary circles and started being used more frequently as an ingredient in commercial food products.

National Pawpaw Day Inception

The inaugural National Pawpaw Day was celebrated on the third Thursday in September to increase awareness and appreciation for the indigenous American fruit.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Pawpaw Day

Bake a pawpaw cake

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.

MAKE

Make a pawpaw smoothie

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.

VISIT

Visit a local farmer's market

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.

VISIT

Visit a pawpaw orchard

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!

CREATE

Create a pawpaw dish

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.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Pawpaw Day

Pawpaws support small farmers & businesses

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!

Pawpaws are delicious

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!

Pawpaws are healthy

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!