You can find pawpaw fruit near you through several options depending on your location and season:

• Local Farmers' Markets and Farm Stands: Pawpaws are often sold at farmers' markets and farm stands in regions where they grow, typically from late August through October. For example, in the DC area, pawpaws can be found at farmers markets in September from local producers like Two Boots Farm and Nisani Farms

• Specialty Farms and Markets: Some farms specialize in pawpaw fruit. Rocky Point Blueberry Farm sells fresh pawpaws in Rhode Island from mid-September to October, with specific sale days and quantities

. Whitesfields Farm in Massachusetts sells pawpaws at the Hardwick Farmers Market and directs customers to other local markets

• Pawpaw Festivals: Attending regional pawpaw festivals in September is a great way to taste and buy fresh pawpaws. For example, the Long Creek Pawpaw Fest in Frederick, MD, offers pawpaw products and tastings

• Online Marketplaces: Websites like Foraged Market offer locally harvested pawpaws for sale and delivery, which can be searched by your location

. Pacific Wild Pick also takes pre-orders for fresh pawpaw fruit for the fall harvest season

• Foraging: In some areas, pawpaw trees grow wild, such as along the C&O Canal Towpath and Great Falls Park near DC. Regulations vary, but some parks allow limited personal harvesting

To find pawpaws near you, start by checking local farmers markets, specialty farms, and regional festivals during the late summer and early fall season. You can also explore online vendors that ship fresh or frozen pawpaw fruit. If you are interested in growing pawpaw trees, nurseries like Cricket Hill Garden in Connecticut offer grafted varieties for sale

. Because pawpaws are highly perishable and seasonal, availability is limited mostly to late summer and early fall, so plan accordingly