🥭 VE-21 - An Early Ripener with Large Fruits and Exceptional Medicinal Potential

Variety Description

Summary

VE-21 (Valley East 21) is a cornerstone variety from the breeding program of the legendary Jerry Lehman. This hybrid (Prolific × Overleese) was specifically selected for its ability to produce large, gourmet-quality fruit in regions where the growing season is too short for standard late-season varieties. It is an ultra-early ripener, often ready for harvest by mid-August in the American Midwest. The flavor is noted for its "cleanliness"—it lacks the musky or bitter secondary notes found in many wild-selected types. With sugar levels documented up to 26 Brix, it is one of the sweetest selections in the Lehman catalog. While valued for its early harvest, growers should monitor for Phyllosticta sensitivity in particularly humid regions.

Foundations and Pedigree

Selected from Lehman’s vast Valley East research plots in Terre Haute, Indiana, VE-21 represents the pinnacle of late-20th-century pawpaw breeding. It remains a top-tier recommendation for northern European and Canadian growers.

Fruit Specifications: The Clean-Sweet Early Benchmark

Physical Attributes: Light-green skin that transitions to a subtle yellow-gold when fully ripe. Average weight for prime fruits is between 170g and 227g. Palette: Exceptional sugar-to-acid balance; the flavor is focused and sweet without the complexity of modern hybrid "tropical" blends. Texture: Noted for being particularly smooth and uniform—often compared to a thick fruit smoothie or a premium custard.

Orchard Integrity

Efficiency: VE-21 is a productive and reliable bearer. It typically begins fruiting 3–5 years after grafting and forms a sturdy, aesthetically pleasing tree canopy. Growth Habit: Rapid growth rate; the tree naturally develops a strong central leader and an upright habit that is easy to manage in a backyard or commercial setting.

Management and Logistics

Maturity Timing: Its greatest asset is its timing. Harvest begins weeks before the general pawpaw season, avoiding the risk of early autumn frosts. Special care: Growers should ensure good air circulation within the orchard to manage its documented sensitivity to fungal leaf spots (Phyllosticta).

Environmental Adaptation

Perfectly hardy in USDA Zone 5. Its early ripening nature makes it the "safe bet" for cultivators in high-latitude or high-altitude microclimates where heat units are limited.

Conclusion

VE-21 is an indispensable variety for any pawpaw enthusiast who operates in the northern range of the species’ viability. It offers the rare combination of massive fruit size and world-class sweetness, all delivered in an ultra-early harvest window. While it requires minor mindfulness regarding leaf health, the reward is a "clean" and high-sugar harvest that sets the standard for early-season dessert quality. For those following the Lehman legacy, VE-21 remains one of his most consistent and beloved contributions to pomology.