Asimina triloba 'Allegheny,' commonly known as Allegheny Pawpaw, is a standout among pawpaw varieties for both backyard orchards and fruit enthusiasts. This exceptional cultivar, part of the Peterson Pawpaw™ series, is particularly noted for its productivity and delectable flavor profile. Its fruit is large, up to half a pound, and boasts sweet, creamy-yellow flesh reminiscent of tropical delights like cherimoya and soursop, yet it thrives in temperate climates, being cold-hardy to USDA Zone 5. Among its peers, the Allegheny variety is celebrated for its early ripening season, with fruits maturing from September to October.
Allegheny Pawpaw tree is modest in size, reaching 12-15 feet at maturity, making it ideal for smaller landscape spaces. It is naturally resistant to pests and diseases, making its maintenance straightforward, and its rich, tropical-like foliage turns a striking yellow in the fall. The fruit's sweet, rich, banana-like flavor, coupled with a hint of citrus, makes it a perennial favorite despite its medium, firm texture and a higher seed count.
To ensure optimal growth and fruit production, Allegheny Pawpaw requires cross-pollination; thus, planting two or more varieties is essential. The tree thrives in rich, well-drained soil high in organic matter and can adapt to both sun and shade conditions. While it enjoys a good summer shower, young trees should be shielded from intense afternoon sun to prevent sunburn. The Allegheny Pawpaw's prolific nature may lead to smaller fruits, so thinning is recommended to achieve larger sizes. With customer demand driving its introduction, this pawpaw variety, despite not meeting some stringent size and seed standards, delights with its unique flavor profile and reliable yield. For those seeking an exotic and fruitful addition to their orchard, Allegheny Pawpaw provides a taste of the tropics with the ease of a local cultivar.