National Pawpaw Day

Celebrated on 09/17/2026

Quick Fact

National Pawpaw Day celebrates the largest edible fruit native to the United States, the pawpaw, which has a tropical flavor reminiscent of a mix between banana, mango, and melon. Despite its delicious taste, the pawpaw remains relatively unknown due to its short shelf life and difficulty in commercial cultivation.

Origins and Establishment of National Pawpaw Day

National Pawpaw Day was established in 2019 by the Pawpaw Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the cultivation and consumption of the pawpaw fruit. The date, the third Friday in September, was chosen to coincide with the peak of pawpaw harvest season in the eastern United States, where the fruit is native.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Since its inception, National Pawpaw Day has grown from a small grassroots celebration into a nationwide event, with festivals, tastings, and educational events held in communities across the country. Today, the day is marked by pawpaw-themed activities such as cooking demonstrations, seed swaps, and orchard tours, as well as social media campaigns to raise awareness about this unique and underappreciated fruit.

Facts & General Observations

• The pawpaw tree (Asimina triloba) is the only member of the tropical Annonaceae family that grows in temperate climates, making it a botanical oddity.
• Pawpaws were a staple food for Native Americans and were even enjoyed by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, who cultivated them at Mount Vernon and Monticello.
• Despite its historical significance, the pawpaw is rarely found in grocery stores because the fruit bruises easily and has a shelf life of only 2-3 days after harvest.

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