What do you get when you cross two beloved apples, Golden Delicious and Jonathan? You get Jonagold! Developed at Cornell University, Jonagold combines the sweetness and mellow character of Golden Delicious with the bright, aromatic flavor of Jonathan. The result is a large, beautiful apple with a crisp bite, juicy flesh and a delicious balance of sweet and tart. It’s a classic for a reason!
Jonagold was developed through Cornell University’s apple breeding program at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, New York. It was selected in 1953 and introduced in 1968. Its parents are two famous varieties: Golden Delicious and Jonathan. The goal was to combine desirable qualities from both, and Jonagold quickly became a popular commercial apple.
Jonagold apples are generally large and have a rounded to slightly conical shape. Their skin has a yellow-green background with a red blush or red striping, depending on the particular strain. Inside, the flesh is creamy yellow and firm, juicy and crisp. Because Jonagold apples can grow quite large, one apple can make a surprisingly satisfying snack!
Jonagold has a wonderfully balanced flavor. It’s sweet and slightly tart, with an aromatic quality that gives the apple plenty of character. The Golden Delicious parent contributes sweetness, while Jonathan brings some of its classic tartness and aroma. The texture is crisp, juicy and firm, making it a great apple to eat right off the tree.
Jonagold is a mid-to-late fall apple. At Apple Holler, Jonagold is typically part of the fall harvest, with exact timing depending on the growing season and weather. If you’re planning your orchard visit around Jonagold specifically, check Apple Holler’s current apple availability before you come.
Jonagold is an excellent all-purpose apple.
Try it for:
Its sweet-tart flavor makes it particularly useful when you want an apple that can work in both sweet and savory recipes.
Jonagold isn’t just a delicious eating apple, it represents an important chapter in American apple breeding. Cornell has released dozens of apple varieties over the years, and Jonagold became one of its best-known introductions. Its success also demonstrates why apple breeders cross established varieties: combining the characteristics of two apples can create a new variety with its own unique combination of flavor, texture, appearance and growing qualities. Think of Jonagold as a family reunion between two classic apples! Golden Delicious contributes its sweet, mellow character. Jonathan contributes its bright flavor and aromatic qualities. Jonagold brings those traits together in a large, crisp and juicy apple with a sweet-tart personality all its own.
Jonagold was originally known by the experimental designation NY 43013-1 before it received its much friendlier name. Thankfully, Jonagold won out, because “NY 43013-1” doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue!
Origin: New York, USA
Developed By: Cornell University
Selected: 1953
Introduced: 1968
Parentage: Golden Delicious × Jonathan
Color: Yellow-green with red blush or stripes
Flavor: Sweet-tart and aromatic
Texture: Crisp, firm and juicy
Season: Fall
Best For: Fresh eating, baking, applesauce, cooking and cider
