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Pawpaw: Ancient Fruit, Modern Treat

Pawpaws: Ohio’s native fruit! The pawpaw tree is prized for its distinctive fruits, which ripen in late summer. Join Valerie Libbey of Libbey Farms for a guided walk & talk through our Community Garden Campus to look at pawpaw trees in the garden. Learn about their history- from the present all the way back to the Cretaceous period, find out how they grow in the wild, and how these trees support Ohio’s ecosystems. Then, head into the demonstration kitchens to taste fresh pawpaw ice cream! All the toppings will be provided for a sundae bar to enjoy as you savor the flavor of summer in Ohio.

Instructor: Valerie Libbey Hi, I’m Valerie: While living in San Francisco for 15 years, I stumbled on a cookbook at Hocking Hills State Park during a trip that jolted my fascination with native foods and a return to my rural heritage. The story of the Libbey homestead begins in October 1924 when Rufus and Mary Elsie settled in Washington Court House, Ohio. Four generations of farmers have cared for crops, livestock, poultry, and many well-loved barn cats. Now, there’s an added mission to preserve and share Midwestern fruits and plants. My specialized focus is on pawpaws (Asimina triloba), and I’m committed to educating consumers, supporting home growers, and building a community of enthusiasts for Ohio’s state native fruit. I’ve been a featured speaker at the Ohio Pawpaw Festival and other events. I’m also a Certified Ohio Master Urban Farmer from The Ohio State University.

This work is supported by the Simons Foundation and is part of its “Infinite Sums” initiative. For more information, visit infinitesums.simonsfoundation.org.