What is a Pawpaw? Discover Appalachia’s Native Fruit
The pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is one of Appalachia’s best‑kept secrets — a creamy, tropical‑tasting fruit that grows wild along riverbanks, forest edges, and shaded hollows throughout the eastern United States. Long before it became the star of our festival, the pawpaw was a staple food for Indigenous communities, early settlers, and generations of Appalachian families who knew where to find the best patches.
Today, the pawpaw is experiencing a well‑deserved revival, and Paw Paw, West Virginia is proud to celebrate the fruit that shares our name.
A Native Fruit With a Tropical Twist
Despite growing in temperate forests, pawpaws taste like they belong on a beach. Their flavor is often described as a blend of:
- banana
- mango
- pineapple
- vanilla custard
The texture is soft and creamy, almost like a pudding inside a green, mango‑shaped skin. Pawpaws ripen in late summer to early fall, and because they bruise easily and don’t ship well, you won’t find them in grocery stores. They’re a true “foraged or grown local” treasure.
Deep Roots in Appalachian History
Pawpaws have been part of Appalachian life for centuries. They appear in:
- Indigenous food traditions
- early American writings
- folk songs and stories
- family memories of “pawpaw hunting” along the river
George Washington reportedly enjoyed them chilled. Lewis and Clark relied on them during their expedition. And in many rural communities, pawpaw patches were landmarks passed down through generations.
Our festival honors that heritage — the fruit, the land, and the people who kept the tradition alive.
Where Pawpaws Grow
Pawpaws thrive in:
- rich, moist soil
- partial shade
- river valleys and creek bottoms
- forest understories
They grow naturally throughout West Virginia and much of the eastern U.S., forming small groves called “pawpaw patches.” In Paw Paw, WV, you’ll find them along the C&O Canal, the Potomac River, and tucked into the wooded hillsides that surround our town.
Why Pawpaws Matter Today
The pawpaw is more than a fruit — it’s a symbol of:
- local agriculture
- biodiversity
- sustainable food systems
- Appalachian identity
- community pride
As interest in native plants and regional foodways grows, the pawpaw has become a star ingredient for chefs, gardeners, brewers, and home cooks who want to reconnect with traditional flavors.
Our festival helps introduce new people to the fruit while supporting growers, educators, and small businesses who are part of this revival.
Taste the Pawpaw at the Festival
At the Pawpaw Festival WV, visitors can:
- sample fresh pawpaw fruit
- try pawpaw‑inspired foods
- learn from growers and horticulture experts
- explore native plant education
- discover the history behind the fruit
- enjoy family‑friendly activities and local vendors
Whether you’ve loved pawpaws your whole life or you’re tasting one for the first time, the festival is the perfect place to experience this unique Appalachian treasure.
A Fruit Worth Celebrating
The pawpaw is a reminder of everything special about our region — resilient, rooted, and full of unexpected sweetness. It’s part of our story, our landscape, and our heritage. And every September, we gather to celebrate it together.
To explore the town of Paw Paw and plan your visit, check out Visit Paw Paw WV.