Paw Paw -

Examine why a native fruit with historical significance fell out of favor, as discussed in Serious Eats .

Focus on planting native pawpaws to support biodiversity and the zebra swallowtail butterfly. PAW PAW

Thriving in moist, rich bottomland forests, they are native to 26 U.S. states, ranging from the Great Lakes down to the Florida Panhandle and west to Nebraska. They grow well in shade as saplings but require full sun to produce fruit. Examine why a native fruit with historical significance

Pawpaws are small, deciduous understory trees producing oblong green-to-brown fruit with a creamy, custard-like texture. They taste like a blend of banana, mango, vanilla, and pineapple. states, ranging from the Great Lakes down to

These fruits were eaten by Indigenous peoples and were reportedly enjoyed by the Lewis and Clark expedition. They are sometimes referred to as "America's Best Secret Fruit".