Key Points
- Origin: Selected by the legendary Jerry Lehman (Terre Haute, IN); a cross of Prolific × Sunflower.
- Fruit Metrics: Small-to-medium size with elite creaminess and sugar content.
- Yield Dynamics: Known for heavy annual crops; exceptionally productive.
- Sensory Rating: Frequently cited as "top of the line" in informal tasting circles.
- Availability: Carried by niche nurseries (e.g., Hidden Springs Nursery) and specialty scion wood collectors.
- Data Note: Information is primarily based on orchardist observations; standardized multi-year trial data is limited.
- Cold Resilience: USDA Zones 5–8 (typical for the species).
Variety Description
Summary
Lehman’s Chiffon is a notable selection from the private breeding program of Jerry Lehman. Recognized for its "chiffon-like" light texture, it is a productive cultivar that delivers high-intensity sweetness. While it lacks the extreme fruit size of some newer industrial hybrids, its flavor complexity and reliable cropping make it a gourmet favorite. It is often recommended for home orchards where flavor quality and high yield per tree are the primary objectives.
Pedigree and Genetics
The variety arose from Lehman's focused breeding work in Terre Haute, Indiana. It is documented as a successful cross between Prolific and Sunflower. This combination appears to have inherited the heavy-setting nature of Prolific and the refined flavor notes of Sunflower.
Fruit Analysis
Weight and Scale: While individual weights vary by region, this variety typically produces fruits in the 100–200 g range. It is often described as "efficient"—it may produce smaller fruits than competitors like Susquehanna, but it compensates with higher fruit counts per cluster. Palatability: The taste is celebrated for its "cotton candy" sweetness without any bitterness or aftertaste. Some tasters note a distinct tropical acidity that provides an airy, refreshing finish. It is softer than industrial shipping varieties but retains its shape well enough for local consumption.
Orchard Performance
Yield: Categorized as a "heavy bearer." Mature trees are known to set large clusters that require sturdy branch support. Distribution: While not found in big-box retail, it maintains a strong presence in the collections of pawpaw enthusiasts and is periodically available from specialty regional nurseries.
Grower's Feedback
In community forums (GrowingFruit, TropicalFruitForum), owners consistently report high satisfaction with the "lightness" of the pulp. While it may require careful handling during harvest due to its softer texture, the sheer volume of fruit makes it a highly rewarding cultivar for the home gardener.
Conclusion
Lehman’s Chiffon is an elegant Jerry Lehman selection that trade fruit size for elite texture and reliable, heavy yields. Its "super-sweet" profile and unique airy consistency make it a "must-have" for collectors aiming for the full spectrum of pawpaw flavor possibilities across USDA Zones 5–8.