From Peterson Pawpaws
by Neal Peterson
Neal Peterson's Breeding Program
Pawpaw Variety Development: A History and Future Prospects by R. Neil Peterson pdf 6 pages
Peterson
Pawpaws now offer six outstanding varieties. These were selected by
Neal Peterson from among the 1500+ open-pollinated seedlings that he
raised in his orchards, after 20 years of careful evaluation. They are
protected by plant patents.
Please note that the colors are not
realistic, color should be yellow on all fruit, although some are paler
such as Shenandoah and some darker such as Wabash (N. Peterson)
'Allegheny' TM
Medium fleshiness. Percent seed ~ 8% by weight.
Flavor sweet, rich, a hint of citrus. Texture medium firm, smooth. Flesh color yellow.
Fruit size typically less than 8 oz. Very productive to the point that fruit size suffers.
Trees will require fruit thinning to keep fruit size over 8 oz.
This has been a continual favorite of those who taste it.
Customer pressure has persuaded me to introduce this one, even though it is smaller and seedier than I normally accept.
'Potomac' TM
Extremely fleshy. Percent seed ~ 4% by weight.
Flavor sweet and rich. Texture firm, melting, smooth. Flesh color medium yellow.
Fruit size typically 12+ oz. Medium productivity.
Strong apical dominance - ie, the tree grows very upright, is less spreading than most.
The overall fruit quality on this variety is impressive.
Dr. Pomper (KSU) insisted I release this.
'Rappahannock' TM
Rappahannock
is a superior tree for picking fruit from. The fruit is easier to spot
among the foliage, because of the horizontal habit of the leaves, and
because its fruits typically change to a yellowish-green when they are
ready to pick. These are large, beautiful, well-shaped and symmetrical
fruits, whether borne singly or in clusters. The flavor is superior as
well, very sweet and refreshing. This tree originated as a seedling
from a tree in the Blandy Experimental Farm collection. Rappahannock
has large fruit (though somewhat smaller the two varieties) with a firm
flesh and few seeds (6% by weight). Very vigorous with good yields.
Firm flesh
Good yield
Fleshy - only 3% seed
Sweet refreshing flavor
More regular & uniform shape
Earlier harvest (some color break plus horizantally held leaves)
'Shenandoah' TM
Shenandoah
has been the clear favorite of my pawpaw customers at the Dupont Circle
farmers market in Washington, DC. Even doubters and scoffers have been
converted to pawpw lovers by this variety! It is a real taste treat --
smooth, custardy texture, with just the right balance of fragrance,
sweet fruity flavor and agreeable aftertaste. This tree originated as a
seedling of 'Overleese' and, it must be said, is superior to its
parent. Large fruit with few seeds (6% by weight). Texture is firmer
than wild pawpaws but softer than the other two varieties. Fruit is
often borne in single-fruited clusters. Good yields. Shenandoah
responds well to pruning.
Good Yields
Sweet mild flavor
Fleshy - only 6% seed
Succulent, custardy texture
Most popular at DC farmers market
Responds well to pruning
'Susquehanna' TM
Susquehanna
is without a doubt my personal favorite -- if I had to choose one.
Outstanding for combining very large size with rich pawpaw flavor,
great sweetness, exceptional fleshiness, and firm buttery texture, this
particular variety makes an especially beautiful ornamental tree in the
home landscape. This tree originated as a seedling from the collection
of the Blandy Experimental Farm. It has the largest fruit of our three
varieties, sometimes weighing over a pound. With a firm texture similar
to avocado and a thickish skin, Susquehanna is less fragile than most.
It has the fewest seeds of any variety (3% by weight). Moderate to good
yields. Responds well to pruning.
Very fleshy - only 3% seed
Very sweet, rich flavor
Firm, buttery texture
Fruit size very large
Moderate yields
Responds well to pruning
'Wabash' TM
Very fleshy. Percent seed ~ 6% by weight.
Flavor sweet and rich. Texture medium firm, creamy, smooth. Flesh color yellow to orangish.
Fruit size typically 8-12 oz. Good productivity.
The overall fruit quality and quantity on this variety is excellent.
A favorite of those who have tasted it at the KSU orchard.
Dr. Pomper also insisted I release this one.
Further Reading
The History of Peterson Pawpaws
Back to
Pawpaw Page
|
|
