"Hillbilly mango" season is here: Where to find pawpaws around D.C.

State of play: The "hillbilly mango" is found in wooded areas in the Washington region, typically September through mid-October.

• It's popular fresh, in jams, pastries and ice cream — but it's highly perishable once ripe (why you don't see it in grocery stores).

Zoom in: Some DMV farms sell them, including Two Boots Farm at Dupont FreshFarm Market, where last Sunday's line snaked around the stand.

• Also Three Springs Fruit Farm (multiple locations) and Norman's Farm Market stands (recipes included).

The intrigue: Foragers share tips on free pawpaw patches. Popular spots include the C&O Canal Towpath, where visitors are allowed to harvest a limited amount.

• You'll find them in other places like Roosevelt Island — but keep your pawpaws off: Most foraging is prohibited on National Park land.