Native Foodways in Indiana: Pawpaws and Persimmons


Madison Cissell (Indiana University Bloomington)

Pawpaws produce the largest edible fruit of any North American tree, yet remain largely unknown to the greater American public. Likewise, persimmons are not a popular fruit, but some folks who live in its native Ohio Valley have an appreciation for its autumnal harvest. In April I planned and held an event titled “Native Foodways Roundtable: Pawpaws and Persimmons in Indiana” at Indiana University. This event brought in a group of panelists and conversations that stretched across disciplines and understandings of these fruits as they relate to multiple worldviews.

Part of 06-15 Place, Folklore, and the Rooting of Identity, Friday, November 03, 2:30 pm–4:30 pm