We're sorry. This program is SOLD OUT. Please contact registrar@cincynature.org to be added to the waiting list. We'll contact you only if space becomes available.
Preregistration is required for this program designed for adults age 21 and up.
Ohio winter have you down? Take a mental trip to the tropics as we celebrate one of Ohio’s tastes of the tropics, our very own native passionfruit better known as “maypop.” Using our own frozen fruit, we’ll learn by doing as we show you how to tell when maypops are ripe, as well as how to process them into passionfruit liqueur.
Native passionfruit is an attractive perennial vine that’s good for wildlife and good for you. The large but intricate, other-worldly flowers of our native passionfruit, Passiflora incarnata, point to this species’ ancient tropical origins. As a native plant, it dies back to the ground each winter, resprouting anew the following spring. Once established, it stands up to our hot, dry Ohio summers, blooming for weeks in summer before dropping fruit through much of the fall. We’ll cover landscape applications for the plant, as well and growing tips. (Caution, it can spread.)
Whether you’re a curious gardener or a foodie looking for a neat experience, this class is for you!
You’ll leave this class with:
- A taste of “sunshine in your glass” native passionfruit liqueur spritzer.
- Light snacks.
- Your own jar of native passionfruit liqueur. (You’ll add sugar and water at home; all told, the process takes 45 days…if you can wait that long.)
- Tips on growing, harvesting, processing, and using native passionfruit.
- Ready to grow native passionfruit seeds (optional) and instructions.
What to expect:
- This indoor class will be a blend of classroom instruction/cooking demo.
- One passionfruit liqueur starter kit and passionfruit seeds (to grow) is included with each class registration.
Is native passion fruit suitable for my yard?
- Likes full sun, climber. Caution: watch where you plant it as it will spread by root suckers (by underground rhizomes).
- Landscape applications: arbor, up a fence to make a screen.
About the instructor:
A 25+ year veteran of Cincinnati Nature Center (CNC), Jason Neumann currently serves as public programs manager, crafting experiences that immerse visitors in nature and leading interpretive trainings. He works towards translating CNC’s “plant native” initiative into visitor engagement opportunities, and has a special interest in connecting people to nature through food. Growing up on a small farm sparked his deep interest in agriculture which was fanned to flame through a BS degree in Crop and Soil Sciences (Michigan State University), and later a graduate certificate in Agroforestry (University of Missouri – Columbia). Drawing from the perspective of a farmer/naturalist, he seeks to work with nature whether in his suburban backyard operation called Someday Farm, the CNC Edible Plants and Foraging Group (founded in 2013) or managing the native perennial polyculture plots and native 2-acre pawpaw grove at Long Branch Farm & Trails. Jason is on the board of the Ohio Pawpaw Growers Association.
Program registrants should meet in Krippendorf Lodge at our Rowe Woods location.
Member adult $25; nonmember adult $35 (includes daily admission).
By registering below, you agree to the following:
Pet Policy for Programs/Events: For the comfort and safety of all guests, no pets are allowed at programs or events. Service animals specifically trained to aid a person with a disability are welcome. Therapy animals, whose function is to provide comfort or emotional support, do not qualify as service animals. For more information about pets on our grounds, please see our pet policies on our
website.
Cancellation Policy: Please note that cancellations must be made at least two weeks in advance of the event. No refunds or transfers of fees will occur if the request is made less than two weeks prior to the event. All programs continue, rain or shine. In the event that Cincinnati Nature Center cancels a program, full refunds will be issued.
Program Policy: Cincinnati Nature Center may update the status or format of programs based on conditions at the time of the program.
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