Key Points
- Origin: A premier selection by Jerry Lehman; a hybrid of Prolific × Sam Norris-15.
- Fruit Metrics: Massive specimens typically 250–400 g, with records reaching up to 800 g.
- Ripening: Categorized as a mid-to-late season performer.
- Productivity: Known as an exceptionally heavy producer.
- Awards: Multi-year champion at the Ohio Pawpaw Festival (2011–2014) for both size and flavor.
- Cold Resilience: USDA Zone 5 (down to –25 °C).
- Texture: Soft, ultra-creamy pulp with very low seed percentage (~4.3%).
- Usage: Best suited for fresh local consumption due to its tender skin.
Variety Description
Summary
Lehman’s Delight (evaluated as 275-48) represents one of the pinnacle achievements of Jerry Lehman’s legacy in Indiana. It is a powerhouse variety that consistently produces king-sized, oval fruits with a refined tropical flavor. Notable for winning "Largest Fruit" multiple times at the Ohio Pawpaw Festival, it pairs industrial-scale fruit mass with a gourmet sensory profile. While its soft texture makes it challenging for long-distance transport, it remains a top choice for home orchardists and specialty fresh-fruit markets.
Pedigree and Breeding
The variety is the result of crossing Prolific with Sam Norris-15. Sam Norris, a dedicated Kentucky orchardist, aimed to eliminate seeds entirely; while the goal of seedlessness wasn't fully met, the progeny—including Lehman's Delight—inherited a remarkably low seed-to-pulp ratio and aggressive yield potential.
Fruit Analysis
Weight Dynamics: Mature trees yield fruits averaging 400 g. However, it holds a place in history for producing specimens near 800 g. In standardized 2013 trials, a record weight of ≈794 g was documented. Seed Efficiency: The seed content is mathematically low, measured at only 4.3% by weight, allowing for maximum pulp recovery. Palatability: The flavor is a sophisticated blend of banana and tropical fruit notes. It earned first place for flavor in 2022 and second place in 2023, competing against world-class cultivars like Jerry's Big Girl and Wabash. Sugar concentration consistently reaches 23 °Brix.
Orchard Characteristics
Vigor: A fast-growing, heavy-bearing tree that often requires thinning to maintain the massive fruit size. Management: Generally resistant to major fungal pathogens, though localized monitoring for Phyllosticta is suggested in high-humidity years. Its late-ripening nature requires a sufficiently long frost-free window in autumn.
Garden Value
For growers in USDA Zones 5–8 seeking to maximize "fruit-per-square-foot" while maintaining elite flavor standards, Lehman's Delight is an essential inclusion. Its status as a multi-award winner at the world's largest pawpaw festival solidifies its reputation as a reliable, high-performance cultivar.
Conclusion
Lehman’s Delight (275-48) is a giant among pawpaws, offering a rare trifecta of massive size, high yields, and award-winning sweetness. Its complex tropical profile and minimal seed waste make it a standout choice for anyone serious about pawpaw cultivation.