Free Pawpaw Seedlings Distributed in Communities

The Pawpaw Parade is an annual initiative by the Carolinian Canada Coalition aimed at revitalizing Ontario’s largest native edible fruit by distributing hundreds of pawpaw seedlings across many communities in the Carolinian life zone.

Nov 18, 2025 •  Last updated Nov 19, 2025 • 

Shelli Bosgoed, executive chef and general manager at Marshview Patio in Norfolk County, created a three-course tasting menu that highlights Ontario’s only native tropical fruit, the pawpaw. Photo by J. P. Antonacci /Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

It seems straightforward for a seasoned chef: craft a three-course meal that features the pawpaw fruit.

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However, Shelli Bosgoed, the executive chef at Marshview Patio in Norfolk County, faced several challenges.

For starters, pawpaw fruits are hard to come by, especially after the hot and dry summer southern Ontario experienced this year.

The amount of fruit available to Bosgoed was just enough to serve around 70 eager diners who attended a pawpaw-themed dinner at Long Point Eco-Adventures in St. Williams last month.

Pawpaw is Ontario’s only native tropical fruit – cherished by naturalists and sought after by chefs while being increasingly protected by foragers as demand grows and leads to poachers targeting wild groves.

Add to that challenge for Bosgoed: pawpaw has a brief shelf life. After two or three days of peak ripeness, the tropical sweetness – often described as somewhere between mango and banana with hints of pineapple – begins to diminish or turn bitter.

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The custard-like texture of pawpaw limits its versatility in cooking; too much heat can dull its flavor.

If Bosgoed used excessive amounts of this unique fruit, she could risk making her guests unwell.

That concern is somewhat exaggerated; however, it’s true that pawpaw contains annonacin, a neurotoxin which – if eaten in large quantities – can lead to headaches, nausea and stomach discomfort.

As upset stomachs are never an ideal outcome for a chef, Bosgoed chose to be cautious. She skillfully incorporated pawpaw into a vinaigrette paired with a ricotta and beet salad followed by ravioli filled with cream cheese alongside a swirl of pawpaw purée.

For dessert, the skilled chef layered more pawpaw purée between slices of hearty banana bread served with whipped cream infused with pawpaw and roasted pumpkin seeds on the side.

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“I’m really happy with tonight,” Bosgoed said as diners enjoyed her dishes while small unripe paw paws served as centerpieces on their long tables.

This was her first experience cooking with pawn paws; she found joy in creating dishes that highlighted its “sweet and a bit tart” taste.

“It’s fun and creative and different from everyday cooking,” she added. “Discovering that you’re not really supposed to bake or cook with pawn paws changed everything.”

She even made last-minute changes up until the day before dinner once she finally got to try out the fruit herself.

Focusing solely on using pawn paws for sauces simplified things for her but also showed how quickly ripe fruits can spoil when working commercially.

Bosgoed hopes this experience encourages her guests to explore and experiment more with this native fruit.

“I hope this becomes an annual event that brings new flavors and cultures into people’s kitchens,” she stated.Pawpaw seedlings were available at the event. More home gardeners are planting these trees as part of efforts to reintroduce this native fruit within the Carolinian life zone. Photo by J. P. Antonacci /Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Protecting Pawpaw Groves

Paw paws grow wild in Norfolk; however they’re not easy to locate.

“To get hold of one you need connections,” said Leanne Lemaich who works as both mushroom forager and paddle guide at Long Point Eco-Adventures.

Lemaich belongs to an exclusive group of naturalists working hard to shield Norfolk’s pawn grove from poachers looking for these trendy fruits.

“People living nearby keep watch over them,” she noted.

This vigilance is essential because trees should be nurtured gradually through their ripening process instead they’re sometimes stripped bare thanks irresponsible gatherers

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Some individuals even go so far as uprooting entire trees just so they can sell them online,” Lemaich explained. “Many view it simply as ‘easy money’ due high market prices where people sell pawn fruits online reaching up $20 per pound.” Lemaich shared words about proper ethics among gatherers : “The principle behind foraging stands clear – take only what you require while expressing gratitude toward nature.” Unfortunately though – shift occurs when money enters scene leading folks asking “What can I gain?”Kevin Kavanagh (left) & Dylan Cowan from South Coast Gardens introduce attendees into understanding major aspects surrounding growing high-quality crops within regional settings like ours. Photo credit goes out again towards J. P. Antonacci ! Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Brought Tropical Flavors Northward

In between bites during Long Point Eco-Adventure’s dinner framed as ‘farm-to-table’ experience-guests learned interesting facts regarding human relationships tied directly back towards humble beginnings rooted deep within ancient traditions passed down over generations among those knowledgeable enough feel secure passing down experiences.. Dylan Cowan representing South Coast Gardens stated confidently: “We’re right at northern limit where hardy power tree thrives” reminiscing fondly when he discovered wild spawn pa while exploring aged growth forests years prior leaving lasting impressions since childhood till now.. “That special moment remains unforgettable!” he smiled! The juicy flesh inside these beauties tastes best when dark splotches start forming upon green skins becoming soft indicating readiness ! Cowan advised spectators : “They may look unattractive due color pattern ; however trust me when I say flavor will surprise pleasantly.” A member belonging under custard apple family known colloquially elsewhere such names such ‘hillbilly mango’ or ‘Appalachian banana’, rich nutrients fill each bite! These marvelous gifts traveled north originally brought forth Haudenosaunee Indigenous peoples considered staples plus animals helped distribute seeds widely including foxes deer turtles birds wanting savor delicious snacks found deep within forest ecosystems! As regarding neurotoxins experts reassured audience members mostly safe provided avoiding unripe varieties discarding skins/seeds properly preventing potential adverse reactions occurring particularly concerning dehydration processes concentrating chemicals therein causing stronger impacts felt afterwards.. “I probably consume way too many every single year,” laughed Cowan recalling eating nearly fifty off recent harvest season alone without any negative consequences arising thus far!

Aiming For Revival Efforts

With locations kept secretive pertaining every grove there exists limited harvest opportunities primarily utilized locally restaurants breweries circulating enthusiastically amongst fellow cultivators sharing insights together exchanging knowledge regularly feeling pride seeing successes achieved collectively boosting excitement surrounding future initiatives going forward.. “They’re incredible”, exclaimed Lemaich positively describing scents wafting throughout homes whenever bringing bags full back home after hunting trips! She crafts delectable crème brûlée desserts utilizing harvested produce along experimenting diverse flavors via ice creams cocktails smoothies proving ever popular choices attracting attention growing interest levels steadily rising amongst local populations igniting passions seen spurring further growth patterns observed lately developing landscapes taking shape inviting newcomers wishing join movement building connections everywhere possible fostering community spirit enabling sustainable practices flourish today! Most Ontarians likely haven’t sampled fresh variety; nonetheless Lemaich believes shifts underway eventually allowing access broaden reach enabling more home gardens plant young trees expanding habitat flourishing sustainably maintained systems enhancing visibility connecting communities globally aligning values promoting respect honoring traditions passed onto newer generations paving pathways forward restoring balance ensuring longevity remains alive thriving amidst changing landscapes supporting stewardship aspirations effectively fulfilling purpose envisioned… J. P. Antonacci acts representing Local Journalism Initiative funding backed Government Canada reporting diligently staying informed current developments continuing report progress made ahead progressing onward charting paths navigating challenges encountered frequently discovering unknown potentials hiding waiting eagerly explored shared collectively fostering appreciation mutual respect defining character ultimately shaping identity driving forces behind growth witnessed resonate deeply through history told time immemorial… Sharing insights always encouraged friendships cultivated enriching lives intertwined around shared goals inspiring each other continuously striving greatness realizing visions set forth unfolding lives intertwined forever marked journey taken together giving rise brighter futures await promising exploration beyond horizons yet reached unveiling treasures hidden awaiting discovery celebrating diversity unity found harmony celebrating richness inherent nature lived daily basis striving balance creates beauty enriching existence embodies entirety encapsulated essence humanity itself eternal embrace interwoven tapestry unfurling bringing light illuminating shadows cast behind…

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