Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) KENTUCKY CHAMPION™

Pawpaw 'Kentucky Champion™'

'Kentucky Champion™' is a historically significant, wild pawpaw selection originating from the original "champion tree" (the largest recorded specimen in the state of Kentucky). It is the "Big Daddy" of the pawpaw forest.

Pawpaw 'Kentucky Champion™'

This variety is prized primarily for its very early ripening, making it an excellent candidate for regions with short summers (such as northern areas of Central Europe or southern England). It offers large fruits with an exceptionally low seed ratio and a complex, refreshing taste.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Very early ripening (ideal for cooler regions with short summers).
• Large fruits with an extremely low seed ratio (high flesh yield).
• Resistant and visually attractive skin (does not suffer from blemishes).
• Refreshing, complex taste (melon, orange, pineapple).
• Historical value (originates from the largest tree in Kentucky).
• Strong and resilient tree.

Origin and Breeding

• Origin: USA (Madison County, near Richmond, Kentucky).
• Discoverer: Woody Walker. It is a wild selection.
• History: The original tree achieved "State Champion Tree" status (the largest tree of its kind in the state). In 2019, this specimen was 38 years old and reached a height of 8.5 meters. The variety was introduced into commercial distribution through the well-known England’s Orchard & Nursery.

Detailed variety description: Tree and Pollination

• Vigor: Medium. Although the original tree is huge, common nursery plants do not grow to the standard height.
• Habit: Upright growth with a rounded crown. The tree is remarkably resilient.
• Pollination: The variety is cross-pollinated (requires cross-pollination). The presence of another variety is essential for a stable yield.

Fruits

• Size and weight: Large. The average weight is reported to be around 230 g, with some specimens reaching up to 400 g.
• Shape: Elongated, resembling a banana.
• Color and skin: The skin is attractive and very resistant. It withstands dark spots, bruising, and other color changes well.
• Flesh: Golden-orange, dense, and with an excellent texture.
• Seeds (Key advantage): The variety has an exceptionally low seed-to-flesh ratio (reported at approx. 8.3%, a German test even showed only 5.8%). Furthermore, the seeds are easier to remove from the flesh than in other cultivars.
• Taste and aroma: Complex and refreshing. The flavor profile is described as a mix of melon and orange (or banana and mango) with a pleasant, mild acidity reminiscent of pineapple or raspberries. It is moderately sweet.

Cultivation properties and characteristics

• Phenology:
  • Ripening: Very early variety (mid-early to very early). It is among the earliest ripening commercially available pawpaw varieties (ripens just 2 days after the 'Summer Delight' variety).
  • Yield: This is the most debated characteristic of the variety. Estimates suggest 15-20 kg per tree.
  • Shelf life: The fruits have a short shelf life. Immediate consumption or freezing of the flesh is recommended.
• Resistance and requirements:
  • Frost resistance: High (USDA zones 5-9).
  • Diseases and pests: Standard resistance for this species, no special vulnerabilities have been recorded.
  • Climate: Thanks to its very early ripening, it is an ideal candidate for climate zones with short summers (such as northern areas of Central Europe).

Drawbacks of the variety:

• Inconsistent yield – may not produce as abundant crops every year as commercial varieties.
• Cross-pollination (strictly requires planting with another pawpaw variety to ensure a crop).