It's Pawpaw Season in Kentucky, But Have You Ever Had One?

The Food Network series Chopped is, perhaps, my favorite on the network. It's an elimination contest pitting four chefs against one another who are trying to win $10,000

If you're unfamiliar with the show, the contestants are given baskets filled with ingredients that wouldn't otherwise be compatible in ANYONE'S mind. But the players have to make tasty appetizers, entrees, and desserts nonetheless. Sometimes the ingredients are perfectly normal and recognizable foods that just don't seem to go together. And sometimes, the foods are just plain bizarre.

The Pawpaws of Kentucky

This series is where I first learned about the pawpaw, although I didn't realize it was so long ago.

It wasn't until much more recently that I found out we have pawpaws here in Kentucky. Based on what I've learned, I'd love to try one.

The unique flavor of the fruit resembles a blend of various tropical flavors, including banana, pineapple, and mango. The flavor and custard-like texture make Pawpaws a good substitute for bananas in almost any recipe.

And guess what? It's pawpaw season in Kentucky. Their maroon flowers bloom in the spring while the fruit ripens in the fall--late August through October, to be exact. Plus, if you know where to get them, they're, shall we say, easy pickins. They yield to a gentle tug, and they fall right off the tree with a shake.

You know, after seeing these up close, I'm pretty sure I saw a tree full of them the other day. They looked like pears; maybe they were pawpaws.

Where Can You Buy Pawpaws?

As for where you can purchase pawpaws? Well, I'm going to say online; I've never seen them at a store, a farmer's market, or an orchard. I have, however, seen them at foraged.com, and most of them are unavailable. The ones that ARE available are very expensive.

Oh well, if I ever find one, I might just splurge to see what I've been missing. But at those prices, it had better be the best piece of fruit I've ever put in my mouth.