🥭 Windstar - A Rare Gem of Global Excellence with Monumental Fruit Size and Elite Texture

Variety Description

Summary

Windstar (Star of the Wind) is a rare and prestigious cultivar that represents the pinnacle of modern pawpaw breeding. Developed by the renowned Cliff England using the elite germplasm of the late Jerry Lehman, it is a hybrid of two legendary lines: 275-48 (Lehman’s Delight) and 275-50. This genetic foundation gifts Windstar with monumental fruit size and exotic dessert quality. It is defined by its substantial, broadly rounded fruits that can reach "jumbo" proportions—with record-breaking specimens documented as high as 800 grams in optimal seasons. The flavor is a professional-grade tropical blend with sugar concentrations approaching 22° Brix, delivered in a silk-smooth custard that lacks any bitter aftertaste. For the connoisseur who seeks the massive size of the Lehman legacy combined with the refinement of modern selection, Windstar is an essential masterpiece.

Foundations and Pedigree

As a direct descendant of the 275-series Lehman lines, Windstar carries the "large-fruit" genes that Jerry Lehman spent decades perfecting. Under Cliff England's careful stewardship, it has been refined for higher annual consistency and excellent tree vigor.

Fruit Specifications: The Giant of the Orchard

Physical Attributes: The fruits are famously substantial and often born in manageable pairs. The skin is attractive and indicative of the gourmet quality within. Palette: A focused and resonant tropical sweetness. It offers a "clarity" of flavor that is highly prized for both fresh eating and high-end culinary use. Texture: High-density custard that feels rich and indulgent on the tongue.

Orchard Integrity

Efficiency: Windstar is a productive and vigorous tree. While it focuses its energy on producing larger fruits, it maintains a respectable crop load that satisfies both home gardeners and commercial boutique growers. Growth Habit: Reaches a mature height of 4 to 6 meters with an energetic, upright branching structure that is resistant to heavy fruit loads.

Management and Logistics

Maturity Timing: Perfectly positioned in the mid-season window (September), avoiding the risks of both early and late frost events. Pollination strategy: Thrives when paired with other elite hybrids like Susquehanna, Sunflower, or fellow England selections. Harvest Note: Its low seed content makes it exceptionally efficient for processing, though it is most valued as a premium hand-fruit.

Environmental Adaptation

Fully resilient in USDA Zones 5–8. Its Kentucky origins ensure it is well-adapted to the volatile weather patterns of the American and European continental zones.

Conclusion

Windstar is the "trophy" variety of the pawpaw world. It offers the rare combination of massive, record-breaking size and world-class sweetness, all backed by an impeccable pedigree. While still relatively rare in general commerce, it is a priority for those who want their orchard to represent the very best in contemporary pomology. For growers who value the legacy of Jerry Lehman and the expertise of Cliff England, Windstar stands as a shining star of the species, delivering a harvest that is as monumental as its name suggests.