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NATIONAL PAWPAW DAY – Third Thursday in September

National Pawpaw Day - Third Thursday in September

NATIONAL PAWPAW DAY

National Pawpaw Day on the third Thursday in September provides a taste of the great (forgotten) American fruit. Take a bite out of a creamy mango-banana flavored pawpaw to celebrate!

Despite their tropical taste and appearance, many pawpaws grow natively in the United States. With over 60 varieties of pawpaw to choose from, the fruit’s character changes slightly in each one.

With a blend of banana and mango and sometimes pineapple, we shouldn’t be surprised by the names given to the pawpaw. For example, the Kentucky Banana and Hillbilly Mango hint at the exciting tropical experience that awaits us. Interestingly, the pawpaw is the largest edible fruit native to the United States.

Pawpaw in History

Pawpaws have been a rich part of the fabric of American history from the very beginning. For example, the pawpaw was an integral part of Native American diets. Some may have cultivated the pawpaw, too. Early Europeans confused the pawpaw with the papaya.

As part of United States history, rumor suggests the pawpaw was George Washington’s favorite dessert. Presidential farmer, Thomas Jefferson, cultivated the tree at Monticello. Additionally, while Jefferson served as minister to France in 1786, he shipped pawpaw seeds to friends living there. During the Corps of Discovery, Lewis and Clark wrote in their journals that they were quite fond of the pawpaw. At one point during their expedition in 1806, they relied on pawpaws when other provisions ran low.

While many people have never tasted the sweet, custard-like fruit, the day sets out to change that. This seasonal fruit enjoys a peak harvest time from late August through the first frost. Given that markets and festivals across the country offer samples, there’s ample opportunity to taste your first pawpaw.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPawpawDay

Visit an orchard near you to pick a delicious pawpaw or sample them at a local farmer’s market. While you’re at it, discover recipes for desserts, too! Invite friends to discover this truly American fruit. Consider learning more about cultivating pawpaws and planting a couple. Maybe you’ll have your own pawpaw fruit in a few years to enjoy. Use #NationalPawpawDay to share on social media.

NATIONAL PAWPAW DAY HISTORY

Kentucky State UniversityKYSU Land Grant Program Logo Green founded National Pawpaw Day in 2019 to celebrate the delicious fruit and raise awareness of its history in the United States. Through their one-of-a-kind pawpaw research program, the KSU Land Grant Program strives to improve growing methods, breed new improved cultivars, develop new pawpaw products, and gain a better understanding of the fruit.

DATES
September 19, 2019
September 17, 2020
September 16, 2021
September 15, 2022
September 21, 2023
September 19, 2024
September 18, 2025
September 17, 2026
September 16, 2027
September 21, 2028
September 20, 2029

The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Pawpaw Day in 2019 to be observed on the third Thursday in September, annually.

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