Apple, Jonathan

Sweet-Tart, Classic Apple for Baking

<p>Jonathan Apple is a classic American apple variety celebrated for its balanced sweet-tart flavor, firm texture, and vibrant red skin. Known for its versatility, Jonathan is ideal for fresh eating, baking, sauces, and cider-making, bringing a refreshing zing to any recipe. Ripening in mid-season, this apple is a productive and reliable choice in cooler climates, where it develops its signature flavor and deep color. With its long history in American orchards, Jonathan Apple is a heritage variety that continues to be popular among home growers and apple enthusiasts.</p>
<p><strong>Key Characteristics</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Sweet-Tart Flavor and Crisp Texture</strong>: Jonathan apples have a well-balanced flavor that combines bright acidity with sweetness, making them perfect for fresh eating, baking, and sauces. Their crisp, juicy flesh adds depth and complexity to pies and desserts.</p>
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<p><strong>Bright Red Skin</strong>: This apple variety is known for its beautiful, deep red skin, sometimes with hints of yellow or green, which gives it visual appeal in orchards, markets, and fruit baskets alike.</p>
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<p><strong>Mid-Season Harvest</strong>: Jonathan apples ripen in mid-season, typically from late September to early October, making them a great choice for adding variety to the fall apple harvest alongside early and late-season types.</p>
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<p><strong>Versatile in Culinary Uses</strong>: Jonathan’s firm texture and balanced flavor make it a favorite for baking, especially in pies and crisps, where it holds its shape well. It also makes excellent applesauce and contributes complexity to hard cider blends.</p>
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<p><strong>Productive and Cold-Hardy</strong>: Jonathan Apple trees are known for their cold hardiness and productivity, performing well in regions with cooler growing seasons. This adaptability and dependable production make them a popular choice in northern orchards.</p>
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<p><strong>Product Details</strong></p>
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<li><strong>Sun Requirements</strong>: Full sun</li>
<li><strong>Soil Requirements</strong>: Well-drained, loamy soils</li>
<li><strong>Bloom Time</strong>: Mid-spring</li>
<li><strong>Bloom Color</strong>: White to light pink</li>
<li><strong>Fruit Qualities</strong>: Medium-sized, red skin, sweet-tart flavor, crisp</li>
<li><strong>Fruit Uses</strong>: Fresh eating, baking, sauces, cider</li>
<li><strong>Fruit Ripening Season</strong>: Mid-season (late September to early October)</li>
<li><strong>Pollination Requirements</strong>: Requires cross-pollination; good partners include Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, and Fuji.</li>
<li><strong>USDA Hardiness Zones</strong>: 4-8</li>
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<p>Jonathan Apple’s bright flavor, cooking versatility, and rich history make it an outstanding choice for home orchards, providing a reliable and delicious mid-season harvest.</p>