Also known as the “hillbilly mango,” the pawpaw has a funky, sweet taste reminiscent of mangos, bananas and other tropical fruit.

After five momentous seasons of A CHEF’S LIFE, Vivian hosts THE FINAL HARVEST, a farewell feast of epic proportions. This series finale begins as a tractor pushes through her family’s cornfield to carve out the open-air dining room of Vivian's dreams. She gathers Summer’s last vegetables from Warren Brothers’ farm for a batch of chow-chow.

Vivian films a segment for a morning TV show where cornbread takes center stage. Premieres December 9.

Vivian visits Warren to pick from his prolific pepper patch.

Vivian visits one of her favorite farmers and an eastern North Carolina restaurant known for its fried livers. She learns that not all livers are created equal, but are equally good for you. Back at home, Mrs. Scarlett prepares a humble, old-school dish of beef liver and onions, which inspires Vivian to introduce a fancy, controversial liver dish to the restaurant's menu.

Vivian plans a respite from the road during the holidays, but finds herself busy at home.

On a short hiatus from the book tour, Vivian takes the twins to pick persimmons off Mrs. Betty’s tree and learns about the different varieties of the fruit.

On a short hiatus from the book tour, Vivian takes the twins to pick persimmons off Mrs. Betty’s tree and learns about the different varieties of the fruit. She then takes that knowledge to Atlanta where an event called “Hired Guns” pits chefs and their dishes against each other. Back in Kinston, Vivian gets a pudding lesson from chef Bill Smith of Crook’s Corner in Chapel Hill.

Vivian heads to Kentucky for a primer on bourbon.

Vivian heads to NYC where her book launch means a full itinerary.

Dinner at Maker’s Mark in Vivian’s honor turns into an American history lesson.

The long-awaited arrival of Vivian's cookbook sparks a well of emotions.

Vivian and her family pluck pears from a tree that’s been in the family for 100 years.

Vivian preps peppers for Lambstock, a party where chefs, food, and music converge. Premieres October 21.

Vivian visits an old friend to learn about this local favorite.

With Summer heat high and rain levels low, Vivian struggles to find enough green beans. Premieres October 14.

Vivian visits Warren's farm and discovers a wild tomato patch.

Vivian’s plate is full of everything--except tomatoes. Premieres October 7.

Season Five finds Vivian embarking on a stew of new adventures. Chef & the Farmer celebrates its 10th anniversary. As if that's not enough excitement, Vivian's first cookbook is hot off the press and she sets out on a book tour with a temperamental food truck in tow.

Vivian holds a mayo blind taste test and a surprise brand takes top prize. After a new chef takes the reins, her diminishing role at the restaurant becomes clearer. Vivian’s long-held vacation plans are stifled by a series of strange events.