Paw Paws, Sarah Osborne, and Yoga

What tastes like a cross between a mango and a banana and could be growing in your backyard right now? Give up? Come find out this week at Raleigh City Farmers’ Market where we will be enlightening the public on the paw paw, a fruit indigenous to the eastern United States.The bean-shaped fruit, with a mottled exterior, houses a custardy sweetness similar to a banana or mango and is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and C. Often referred to as the “poor man’s banana,” it’s a favorite among locals and is a convenient snack for kayakers and canoers who enjoy the fresh fruit as it grows along most river banks. George Washington was reported to enjoy paw paw fruits for dessert and even Thomas Jefferson had a handful of paw paw plants at Monticello.Despite the fruit’s popularity and nutritional value, the paw paw has managed to stay out of most grocery stores and off the agricultural radar. So, if you want to give paw paws a try head on over to the Raleigh City Farmers’ Market from 4-7pm this Wednesday. We will be featuring local paw paw grower Wynn Dinnsen. Wynn will be sampling the fruit for all who stop by, and will also have the fruit for sale. If you want to learn more about Wynn and his paw paws please visit https://growingsmallfarms.ces.ncsu.edu/growingsmallfarms-paw-paw-harvest/.Raleigh City Farm’s very own Chef James Edwards will be making a creative culinary sample from local paw paw fruits for the public’s curious taste buds.Also keep an eye out for Fullsteam Brewery’s paw paw beer, to be released soon!As always, we will be offering Yoga in the Square for FREE starting at 5:30pm. If you don’t have a yoga mat some will be provided. This is an excellent opportunity for beginners and those interested in learning more about the health benefits behind yoga.Sarah Osborne of the South Carolina Broadcasters will be back again this week. Sarah is an incredible vocalist and a skilled banjo and guitar player. Her music goes hand in hand with the Market environment, and we are glad to have her back again on the cobblestone streets.Come on down to Historic City Market to shop, stretch and sample, and meet local farmers, musicians and entrepreneurs.