🥭 Rigel - A Distinguished Iowa Selection with Heavy Yields and Rich Flavor

Variety Description

Summary

Rigel is the "Star of the North." Developed in the demanding climate of Iowa by veteran grower Tom Wahl, it was selected to prove that elite tropical fruit quality can be achieved in the American heartland. It is a variety that prioritizes efficiency—large fruits, few seeds, and a productive habit. For the grower who wants a "sure thing" in terms of fruit size and dessert quality, Rigel represents the pinnacle of modern Midwestern selection work.

Foundations and Provenance

Isolated at Red Fern Farm, Rigel is part of a series of astronomical-named cultivars (including Regulus and Rigel) that were selected for their superior performance in trial orchards. It carries the pedigree of the famous Peterson hybrids but has been vetted specifically for the volatile spring and autumn temperatures of the Midwest.

Fruit Specifications: Bold and Buttery

Physical Attributes: The fruit is symmetrical and visually impressive, often weighing close to a pound. The skin is robust enough for light handling. Palette: It deliver a rich, sweet experience that avoids the "wild" resinous notes sometimes found in lesser varieties. Texture: The pulp is buttery and custard-like, entirely free of the stringy fiber that can detract from the eating experience of unselected varieties.

Orchard Productivity

Consistency: Rigel is noted for its annual reliability. It doesn't suffer from the "alternate bearing" (fruition every other year) that plagues many wild-derived trees. Structure: The tree grows with a clean, open canopy that allows for good sunlight penetration, which is vital for the development of the high brix levels the variety is known for.

Management and Logistics

Maturity Timing: In its native Iowa, it ripens comfortably in September. This ensures that the fruit reaches its full potential before the shorter days of late autumn set in. Picking Window: Because of its dense flesh, it has a slightly wider harvest window than the softer "pudding-style" varieties like Overleese.

Environmental Adaptation

Perfectly adapted to USDA Zones 5-7. It is a vigorous grower that establishes itself quickly and begins fruiting at a relatively young age for the genus.

Conclusion

Rigel is for the grower who wants "Commercial Grade" results in their own backyard. It provides the size, flavor, and high productivity that made the modern pawpaw industry possible, all wrapped in a tree that is built for northern resilience. It is an essential variety for any serious orchardist looking to push the boundaries of fruit quality.