Maria’s Joy (a.k.a. “166-13”)

Jerry Lehman cultivar; Mango/pineapple flavor with strong hints of bubblegum; Ripens Mid-Late season

Another excellent pawpaw from the breeding work of Jerry Lehman (Terra Haute, IN), “Maria’s Joy” is a “Davis x Prolific” cross Maria’and is known for producing reliable crops of medium-large sized, exceptionally high quality fruits year after year. Fruits are kidney-shaped, averaging between 8-14 ounces but have been known to reach 1 pound. The flesh is yellow with a buttery texture and an excellent sweet, mango/pineapple flavor with strong hints of bubblegum. It has been compared to “Tropical Treat” in its flavor profile. This pawpaw won the Ohio’s Pawpaw Festival’s “Biggest Pawpaw” Contest in 2012 and is generally considered one of the best tasting pawpaws available. Ripens mid-late season.

* Jerry Lehman cultivar

* Won Ohio’s Pawpaw Festival’s “Biggest Pawpaw” contest in 2012

* Kidney- shaped, med-large fruits

* Yellow, buttery flesh

* Mango/Pineapple flavor with strong hints of bubblegum

* Mid-Late ripening (NOT recommended for more northern-range growers)