Thursday, March 19, 2015
Way Down Yonder In The Pawpaw Patch
When its not cold and wet, boy oh boy, do I love autumn. We had a picture-perfect day yesterday: the bluest of blue skies and the leaves turning gorgeous shades of red, orange and gold. I just couldnt be indoors.As often happens when Im out hiking, I end up coming home with wild edibles Ive foraged. I recently wrote about the blackberries and Concord grapes I found. Perhaps more accurately, I should say they found me. Really, thats usually how it happens. A pleasant, and always welcome, surprise.
But yesterdays find, well, that was like discovering a rare and precious buried treasure. Only this treasure wasnt buried — it was hanging from a tree. Pawpaws!
What the heck is a Pawpaw?
The pawpaw is actually the largest berry fruit in the States. And, I mean large. Like, the size of a small cantaloupe or a ripe grapefruit (only, theyre shaped more like a kidney).
To discover that I have a "tropical" fruit growing within miles of my home, makes me squeal with delight. Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio are the top leaders in pawpaw production. Who knew?
Okay, so I gave the tree a little shake, and down they came. I scooped up a good 20 pounds worth into my pack and left a few remaining on the ground for my four-legged friends, the deer.
I had to try one as soon as I got home. The yellow flesh tastes like a cross between a mango, banana and pineapple, with just a hint of nutmeg thrown into the mix. Amazing.
Whats even more amazing is that as Im grieving the end of my backyard store, putting my garden to bed for its long winters nap, this delectable fruit is just now ripe and ready to harvest in early autumn. Thanks, Mother Nature! Nicely planned.
Alright, so Ive already started playing in
Pawpaw Smoothie1 ripe pawpaw, peeled & seeded
2 C fresh-squeezed orange juice
2 Tbsp mint leaves, chopped
juice of half a lime
Blend until smooth. Grab a straw and enjoy!
Pawpaw Tarts
Carob Chip Crust
1 C almond meal
1/2 C sunflower seeds
1/2 ripe banana
5 medjool dates, pitted
1/4 C raw cacao nibs
2 Tbsp local raw honey
1 tsp cinnamon
Blend together for a nice chunky consistency. Avoid over-processing to allow for texture and crunch. Press mixture into tartlet tins and refrigerate for 30 minutes until firm.
Pawpaw Filling
1 ripe pawpaw, peeled & seeded
Blend until smooth and creamy. Add a bit of lemon juice to keep the mixture from browning. Scoop into tart crust. Chill if you prefer a firmer filling, or serve fresh.
♫ The Paw Paw Patch (traditional folk song) ♫
Where, oh where is pretty little Susie?
Where, oh where is pretty little Susie?
Where, oh where is pretty little Susie?
Way down yonder in the paw-paw patch.
Come on, boys, lets go find her,
Come on, boys, lets go find her,
Come on, boys, lets go find her,
Way down yonder in the paw-paw patch.
Pickin up paw-paws, puttin em in her pockets,
Pickin up paw-paws, puttin em in her pockets,
Pickin up paw-paws, puttin em in her pockets,
Way down yonder in the paw-paw patch.
Where, oh where is pretty little Susie?
Where, oh where is pretty little Susie?
Way down yonder in the paw-paw patch.
Come on, boys, lets go find her,
Come on, boys, lets go find her,
Come on, boys, lets go find her,
Way down yonder in the paw-paw patch.
Pickin up paw-paws, puttin em in her pockets,
Pickin up paw-paws, puttin em in her pockets,
Pickin up paw-paws, puttin em in her pockets,
Way down yonder in the paw-paw patch.
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