Pawpaw fruits, hybrid squash, and more!
When it rains, it.... pawpaws??!!
I’m so sorry for the pun, but it had to be done. Last week, I went from someone who had only ever heard whispers of the elusive pawpaw fruit, to someone who was given the opportunity to try them… twice! The first was at a sustainability volunteer meeting, when a lovely woman passed around a bowl of small, squishy, yellowish-green fruits that had grown in her front yard. The second time? Why it was at the Irvington Farmers Market, of course!
Craig from Tivoli Mushrooms isn’t selling only delicious lion’s mane, chanterelle, and oyster mushrooms, he’s also your go-to guy to try this unique North American fruit while its tantalizing brief growing season lasts. Pawpaw trees are native to our continent, but limited shelf life and susceptibility to bruising have kept them from being commercially viable. In other words, you won’t find these in your average supermarket! It’s quite special to have them at the market.
Despite being an east coast native, the pawpaw tastes slightly tropical, with a subtle mango/banana note to its flesh, and an unusual custardy texture when ripe. Craig advised me to try sucking on the seeds, which have a slight vanilla taste. (I now have the seeds saved wrapped in paper towels in my fridge; I’m hoping to preserve them for eventual germination!)
A deeper dive into the history of this intriguing fruit is well-worth it, but why only learn theory when it’s right here in front of you?! Pick some up from Tivoli and try them yourselves! You can snack right on them, or give this beautiful and easy pawpaw sorbet a whirl; it looks heavenly! Then there’s this super moist pawpaw quick bread, which is sure to let those flavors sing.
And speaking of unusual produce, Rashawn at Madura Farms has been bringing some beautiful honeynut squash to the market! A cross between a butternut and a buttercup, and with more beta-carotene, it’s not only delicious; it’s adorable and absolutely delicious roasted in the oven.
As for something hearty on the stovetop, this delicious one-pot stew would be perfect with some lamb stew meat from R&M, market veggies, and maybe even some Letterbox Farm bone broth to boost the nutrition. I might grab myself some focaccia from Zeena Bakery to serve on the side… but the real question is, dukkah or zaatar?
It’s a great week for sweet treats too, with Butter + Bow here on Sunday with bespoke gourmet cookies. We’ve also got sandwiches galore, from Mambo Italiano’s delicious focaccia creations, to the tastiness served up at Kinwich Sandwich Truck, and let’s not forget to welcome Irvington market newbies Pistache NYC, whose French-style baguette sandwiches I can’t wait to try.
Bluegrass band Milton will be here this week! Maybe they’ll know the old Appalachian folk song “way over yonder in the pawpaw patch”… I’ll ask!
Wishing all who celebrate a peaceful and happy Rosh Hashanah. See you at the market!
