NC-1

About the Variety: NC-1 (Neal/Clayton #1) is a highly-regarded pawpaw variety selected by Jerry Lehman in Indiana. It's known for large fruit size, excellent flavor, and particularly smooth texture. NC-1 has become popular among pawpaw enthusiasts for its consistent quality and rich, complex flavor. While less widely known than Overleese, many consider NC-1 equal or superior in eating quality.

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Fruit Description: Large pawpaw fruits (typically 8-12 oz) with greenish-yellow skin. Flesh is golden-orange, exceptionally smooth and custard-like - among the smoothest-textured pawpaws. Flavor is rich, complex, and tropical with excellent balance - often described as having more depth than many varieties. Seeds are numerous but the excellent flavor justifies the processing effort.

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Harvest Window for Cincinnati/Southern Ohio: Mid to Late September (typically September 15-30)

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Ripeness Indicators:

• Softens significantly when ripe

• Skin darkens toward yellow-brown

• Very strong tropical aroma when ripe

• May drop naturally when ready

• Brief peak ripeness window (1-2 days)

• Can pick firm and ripen at room temperature

• Later ripening helps extend pawpaw availability

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Disease Resistance:

• Excellent - native species with natural resistance

• Low maintenance requirements

• Indiana genetics proven for Midwest conditions

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Best Uses:

• Fresh eating: Exceptional for eating fresh - smooth texture and complex flavor shine

• Freezing: Excellent for freezing as pulp

• Premium applications: Best saved for uses where flavor matters most - fresh eating, high-quality ice cream

• Baking: Very good for baking

• Storage: Fresh fruit lasts 2-3 days; frozen pulp lasts 6+ months

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How to Share This Fruit: NC-1's exceptional quality makes it perfect for premium tasting events showcasing the best pawpaws can offer. Organize "connoisseur tastings" in late September where pawpaw enthusiasts compare the finest varieties. The late ripening helps extend pawpaw season into the end of September when most varieties are finished. Consider "from wild to refined" educational programs discussing how careful variety selection has improved pawpaw quality over generations. The smooth texture and complex flavor make NC-1 ideal for high-end culinary events or pairing workshops with fine cheese, wine, or chocolate. Use NC-1 for demonstrations of excellence - showing skeptics that pawpaws, when grown well and properly selected, can rival any tropical fruit. The Indiana breeding connections across multiple pawpaw varieties (Overleese, Susquehanna, NC-1) provide opportunity to discuss the importance of regional fruit breeding hotspots. Perfect for "save the best for last" events at the end of pawpaw season.