Pawpaws seem to be a forgotten fruit and are little known to many people, even though the trees are native to Kentucky and many people have them growing in the wild on their property. 

All About Pawpaws lesson was taught to Hancock County natives, so they can identify the trees, utilize the fruit and share their knowledge with others.

The lesson All About Pawpaws focused on Kentucky Homemakers, since the pawpaw is native to Kentucky people need to know what to look for, how to care for the trees, and ways to get the best fruit from their trees.  The lesson shared lots of details about planting, growing, fruit production and how to utilize the fruit.  

Kentucky State University has experts that shared their knowledge with Homemaker leaders, then the leaders shared the information with their homemaker clubs. I also worked with West Region FCS Agent using the pawpaw puree to make bread, muffins, ice cream and she made jam.  The homemaker leaders were able to sample the items made and most enjoyed the ice cream and jam the best. 

Many homemakers had some knowledge of pawpaw trees and the fruit, 32% said their knowledge increased some and 68% said their knowledge increased significantly after the lesson.  79% of homemakers feel more able to prepare recipes with pawpaws as a result of the lesson.  89% of homemakers intend to share the knowledge with their friends and family.  100% of homemakers said they gained knowledge of the nutritional value of pawpaws and how to use them in recipes.  63% of the homemakers learned how to utilize the fruit. 63% of homemakers can now identify the pawpaw tree and its fruit.  89% of homemakers said they gained knowledge to purchase trees, and how to grow them for fruit to eat.