Editor,
In response to a Post letter last week trivializing the efforts of state Representative Jimmy Stewart to select pawpaw as Ohio's state fruit, Ohio has problems worse than the pawpaw
April 20, I would like to suggest the various benefits of such a bill. I invite all who are concerned with issues regarding community, higher education and economic development to consider the impact of having a fruit native to our own region publicly recognized.
The undeniable potential for a bustling commercial pawpaw industry is one of many reasons why Ohioans should legally adopt this fruit as our own. It would make us the Johnny Pawpawseed of our time, nurturing a wealth of possibilities. Pawpaw as a cash crop could do wonders for the growers and communities of Ohio bringing in attention, funding, profit and admiration. Highly sought-after qualities such as the sweet mango-banana flavor profile, custard-like texture and numerous nutrient contributions make the pawpaw desirable to food scientists, food manufacturers, chefs, fine restaurants, dietitians and consumers. This product continues to gain national and even international attention, and claiming it as our own symbolic fruit would shine a valuable spotlight on our state and community.
Beyond commercial aspirations for the tree fruit, the pawpaw is pushing the frontiers of the medical research world. Scientists have thus far shown that compounds in the pawpaw tree's bark and twigs could someday - granted more research and development - be used for natural pesticides, anti-cancer drugs and herbal products. In this way, advancement of the pawpaw is significant in promoting good health and wellness.
Considering higher education, Ohio University has already played a major role in the development of this striking fruit, as intensive pawpaw studies have been conducted right here on campus. The fresh idea of pawpaw development is the foundation for much of the learning opportunity at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Students are able to engage in research, community projects and other interesting hands-on activities. My own education has been enhanced with such supplementation by allowing me to express the experiences I have had with this fruit while pursuing my education at OU. Gaining any sort of attention for being part of the pawpaw realm could bring in sponsorship and possibly funding to any universities involved.
Current political standings are as follows: Rep. Jimmy Stewart has introduced a bill in the Ohio House to make pawpaw our official state fruit, while Rep. Steve Reinhard has proposed the same legal recognition of the apple. Whereas Reinhard's motives are more light-hearted, Stewart acknowledges the potential beneficial implications of naming pawpaw Ohio's fruit. Doing so would go beyond the trivial scope of debating merits of a fruit and into deeper issues of a community's sense of pride and economic progress. It is easy to simply regard it as a state representative's focus gone astray, but I challenge you to look deeper into the significance of considering pawpaw for Ohio's state fruit, and recognize the positive outcome it would provide us as students, community members and as a society.
Diane Cuson
dc320001@ohiou.edu 17
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