The pawpaw is North America's largest native fruit, custardy flesh tasting like mango crossed with banana, but it ripens so fast it turns within days, nearly impossible for stores to ship or stock. George Washington reportedly ate them chilled at Mount Vernon, and Lewis and Clark leaned on pawpaws to survive when their food ran out in 1806. Foragers guard patch locations like treasure maps, and pawpaw festivals sell out within hours. Find rare fruit growers hiding in your state on Localize.