Some apples come and go, but Jonathan has been winning over apple lovers for generations. With its beautiful red skin, crisp texture, and lively sweet-tart flavor, Jonathan is a true American classic. It may not have the same household-name recognition as Gala or Fuji, but Jonathan has a devoted following, and once you taste one, you may understand why.
Jonathan is an old-fashioned American apple variety that originated in New York in the early 1800s. The exact origins of Jonathan are somewhat uncertain, but the variety is believed to have been discovered around 1820 on the farm of Philip Rick in Woodstock, New York. The apple was originally known as Rick Apple before becoming known as Jonathan. Over time, Jonathan became an important apple variety in the United States and was also used as a parent in the development of newer varieties.
Jonathan apples are typically medium-sized and round to slightly conical. Their skin has a beautiful red blush with darker red striping, usually over a yellow-green background. Inside, the flesh is creamy white, juicy, and crisp. When the apples are growing on the tree, their bright red coloring makes them especially easy to spot among the green foliage.
Jonathan is known for its bright, lively sweet-tart flavor. It has enough acidity to give it a refreshing bite, balanced by pleasant sweetness. The flavor can also have subtle spicy or aromatic notes. The texture is crisp and juicy, making Jonathan especially enjoyable right off the tree. If you like apples that have a little more tang and personality than an extremely sweet apple, Jonathan is a variety to put on your list.
Jonathan is generally a mid-season apple, typically ripening in September and sometimes extending into early October depending on growing conditions. That puts Jonathan right in the middle of the fall apple-picking season, when the orchard is bustling with families, full trees, and plenty of varieties ready to discover. At Apple Holler, exact harvest dates can vary from year to year depending on weather and growing conditions. Mother Nature makes the schedule! If you’re planning your visit specifically for Jonathan apples, check Apple Holler’s current apple availability before you come.
Jonathan is a wonderfully versatile apple that can be enjoyed fresh or cooked. Its sweet-tart flavor makes it particularly useful in recipes where you want the apple’s flavor to stand out.
Try Jonathan apples for:
Jonathan’s balance of sweetness and acidity can also add extra depth when combined with sweeter apple varieties in baked recipes.
Jonathan has another interesting quality: it cooks beautifully. When heated, the apple softens while maintaining plenty of its characteristic apple flavor. Its natural acidity also helps create a delicious balance in baked goods. Try combining Jonathan with a sweeter apple for a homemade pie with both sweetness and tang. Or keep it simple and enjoy one fresh from the orchard.
Jonathan isn’t just an apple, it’s also a parent of several other well-known apple varieties. One of its most famous offspring is Jonagold, which was created by crossing Jonathan with Golden Delicious. So when you’re enjoying a Jonagold, you’re also getting a little taste of Jonathan’s family tree!
Jonathan is a wonderful apple to discover if you enjoy the classics.
Its bright red skin, crisp texture, juicy flesh, and sweet-tart flavor make it a versatile apple that’s just as enjoyable fresh from the tree as it is baked into a cozy fall dessert. Because Jonathan has been around for generations, picking one is like taking a bite of apple-growing history. Come pick a bag and taste a little piece of apple history!
Variety: Jonathan
Origin: New York, United States
Originated: Early 1800s
Color: Red blush and striping over yellow-green skin
Flesh: Creamy white
Flavor: Sweet-tart, crisp, juicy, and aromatic
Texture: Crisp and juicy
Season: Mid-season, generally September
Best for: Fresh eating, applesauce, pies, crisps, and baking
Fun fact: Jonathan is one of the parents of Jonagold apples.
