We had about 50 folks turn out for the show and tell to learn about pawpaw production.

Folks gathered in the orchard to learn from grower Wynn Dinnsen.

Folks gathered in the orchard to learn from grower Wynn Dinnsen.

Wynn grows 250+ pawpaw trees in his orchard.

Visitors enjoyed tasting the pawpaws. The flavor can be variable but many describe it as a cross between mango, pineapple, and banana.

Some of the fruit can weigh over two pounds!

Pawpaws are relatively easy to grow and generally not susceptible to pests and diseases, making them an attractive option for organic growers.

Wynn keeps detailed records on each tree and numbers the fruit so he can evaluate flavor and seed-to-pulp ratio.

In the wild, pawpaws are an understory tree often found on the rich soils of woodland floodplains.

Pawpaw fruit has a creamy texture and is bright yellow to orange in color. The fruit is very nutritious and delicious!

The native range of pawpaw extends from Florida up to Michigan and as far west as Nebraska.

Wynn uses a ladder to harvest fruit.

Wynn places dead fish caught in his pond in the orchard to attract the flies that pollinate the pawpaw flowers. The stench attracts the flies.

Fruit can be borne singly or in multi-fruit clusters.

Wynn’s pawpaws are in high demand from area chefs. Local breweries also use them to make pawpaw beer.

Harvesting pawpaws.

These pawpaws were sold to Fair Game Beverage Company to be made into brandy!

Wynn shows off part of his harvest.