Rediscovering America's Forgotten Pawpaw Fruit (VIDEO)

Ever heard of the pawpaw fruit?

We hadn't either until our drive into TakePart HQ this morning. But thanks to NPR's Allison Aubrey we learned that certain parts of the eastern U.S. are home to a native tropical-like fruit called the Pawpaw, which had been a favorite of some of our Founding Fathers. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson are said to have been big fans. Lewis and Clark survived on Pawpaws and nuts when their rations ran low.

And though it had dropped off Americans' radar for decades—since it had never been commercially grown—scores of adventurous Pawpaw fans are now taking to kayaks and riverbanks in search of the once-secret treat.

They may be on to something too: Recent studies have shown that the Pawpaw has the potential to join pomegranate and acai in the superfood category: it packs as hefty an antioxidant punch as a cranberry.

Listen to Allison's entire story at the NPR website, or check out her accompanying video below.

And if you're interested in growing the sweet, slightly custardy fruit, head over to Peterson Pawpaws, which sells six varieties of the Pawpaw, and is one of the driving force's behind its surging popularity.