Available beginning September 1, 2011, the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls will once again offer its wildly popular Pawpaw Spa Facial, along with a special pawpaw menu and pawpaw infused cocktails, all of which debuted to rave reviews in 2010. Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls Spa Director, Randall Wellman LMT, MS, studied the homegrown wild pawpaw and its innate ability to soften and moisturize the skin and provide a natural anti-wrinkle treatment, then developed this proprietary spa facial treatment.

“In their spa benefits, pawpaws are a super food ingredient, offering tremendous nutritional value, exceeding that of apples, peaches and grapes in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, anticarcinogens and beneficial bioactive compounds,” Wellman said.

As soon as the indigenous pawpaw comes into season, the 25-minute Pawpaw Spa Facial is created from local pawpaws, which are mashed and mixed with other local ingredients, such as honey, ground oats and organic yogurt. The spa facial begins with a light facial/lymphatic massage. The ingredients are mixed and spread onto the damp face and neck. Green tea bags are placed on the eyes and the guest is invited to relax for 12-15 minutes. The therapist performs a therapeutic scalp massage while the pawpaw mixture works its magic. After the relaxation period, the face and neck are rinsed with lukewarm water.

In addition to its usefulness as a spa facial treatment, the pawpaw’s delightful tropical flavor makes the perfect mixer in the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls Tavern. Pawpaw pulp is being used by the inn’s mixologists to create a wonderfully tasty Inn Pawpaw Martini, as well as other pawpaw cocktails. Executive Chef Anthony Schulz also has created Pawpaw Creme Brulee and is working on other pawpaw desserts and dishes, including a pawpaw ravioli. Schulz’s creme brulee was an instant guest favorite when introduced late last summer, and it perfectly compliments his creative, fresh and locally sourced cuisine.

The pawpaw is the largest edible fruit native to the United States. Considered a favorite delicious and nutritious food of Native Americans, European explorers, settlers and wild animals, pawpaws are wild-harvested and are enjoyed by many locals in the Hocking Hills. The pawpaw’s unique flavor resembles a blend of various tropical essences, such as banana, pineapple, and mango. Pawpaws are highly nutritious, high in vitamin C, magnesium, iron, copper, and manganese. They’re also known to be a good source of potassium and several essential amino acids, and contain significant amounts of riboflavin, niacin, calcium, phosphorus and zinc.