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“Pawpaw Field Day” Sheds Light on Missouri’s State Fruit

The pawpaw is a relatively large fruit, measuring up to five inches in length and two inches across.
MU Extension
The pawpaw is a relatively large fruit, measuring up to five inches in length and two inches across.
The pawpaw is a relatively large fruit, measuring up to five inches in length and two inches across.
Credit MU Extension
The pawpaw is a relatively large fruit, measuring up to five inches in length and two inches across.

It’s been called the Ozarks Banana, and it’s known for its yellow-green color and tropical taste.  And on September 20, locals will have a chance to learn more about the pawpaw fruit.

Listen to the audio here.

The fleshy inside of the oval-shaped pawpaw has anywhere from 10 to 14 seeds and it ripens in September and October here in the Ozarks.

Several varieties of pawpaws will be on display in Mount Vernon during the MU Extension’s “Pawpaw Field Day” on September 20 from 1:00 to 4:00, at the MU Research Building, located at 14548 State Rd H in Mount Vernon.

According to a press release from the MU Extension, the pawpaw can be used in bread, pudding, cookies, ice, cream, and milkshakes—in addition to being enjoyed as fresh fruit.

Copyright 2021 KSMU. To see more, visit KSMU.

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Josh Conaway is a second year student at Missouri State University studying political science and Spanish. He works as news reporter and announcer for KSMU. His favorite part of working for KSMU is meeting a wide variety of interesting people for stories. He has a passion for history and running.