Jerry’s Delight (250-30) is a premier Selection by breeder Jerry Lehman. An open-pollinated seedling of KY-8-2, it is celebrated for its exceptional flavor and ability to produce massive individual fruits (up to ≈680 g and beyond). It matures in the mid-to-late season.
Breeder: Jerry Lehman of Lehman’s Orchard, Terre Haute, Indiana. Recorded origin: open-pollinated seedling of the KY-8-2 selection.
Standard Working Range: descriptions for large Lehman selections generally cite a 283–454 g (10–16 oz) window as Typical for mature trees. Festival Presence: a notable specimen weighed in at 680 g (winning the 2013 "Biggest Pawpaw" title at the Ohio Pawpaw Festival). While individual "giants" can reach 700–900 g, these are exceptional show-table cases rather than orchard averages. Practical Expectation: growers should plan for large, consistently sized fruit while recognizing that record weights occur under competition-grade management.
Shape: typical oval-oblong or "plump" fruit. Skin: thin; requires gentle handling to prevent bruising during transport. Pulp and Flavor: features a high-sugar, mango-banana profile with a silk-like, luscious texture that often tops tasting charts.
Mid-Late: in Zone 6 Kentucky, ripening typically falls between mid-September and early October. Northern climates may see fruit through mid-October.
Productivity is rated as good; the cultivar is a reliable cropper when adequate cross-pollination is provided.
Commonly described as an attractive, well-shaped tree with growth vigor typical of the species, reaching 4–6 m if unmanaged.
The thin skin and soft texture make Jerry's Delight better suited for local farm stands or immediate processing rather than long-distance commercial freight. No unusual disease susceptibility is noted; it shares standard species-level resistance to pests.
Ohio Pawpaw Festival: In addition to the "Biggest" award in 2013, Lehman selections (often including 250-30 under the JBG/JDL umbrellas) are frequent winners for flavor, supported by festival records and photo archives.
Most available metrics for Jerry's Delight come from nursery datasets and festival results rather than long-term scientific trials. As such, while record weights (≈680 g) are verified for competition, average orchard performance may be more modest. Consult local grower networks for site-specific performance.