Welcome to our article on Jonagold apples! If you’re a fan of apple varieties and their unique characteristics, you’re in for a treat. Jonagold is a high-quality American apple that has captured many apple lovers’ hearts and taste buds. From its origins as a cross between a Jonathan and Golden Delicious apple to its large size and crisp, sweet-yet-acidic flavor, there’s much to discover about this delightful fruit.
But our exploration doesn’continuesant to hear from you, too! If you have any personal experiences, insights, or additional information about Jonagold apples, we invite you to share them in the comments section below. Let’s continue the conversation and uncover more about this remarkable apple variety.
What are Jonagold Apples?
Jonagold is an apple that combines the crunchy Golden Delicious and the blush-crimson Jonathan. The name Jonagold is a combination of the terms of these two apple varieties.
Origins and History
It was developed in 1943 at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station of Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The Jonagold apple was selected as N.Y. 43013-1 in 1953 and officially released in 1968 by Roger Way.
Jonagold apples are known for their large size thin green-yellow skin with streaks of crimson. The creamy yellow flesh has a crisp texture and exceptional flavor. Due to their size, they have become favored by commercial growers worldwide. These apples can be stored for up to two months in refrigerated storage and up to ten months in controlled atmosphere storage.
Jonagold is a triploid variety, which means it has sterile pollen and requires a different apple variety for cross-pollination. It is susceptible to diseases such as apple scab, powdery mildew, fire blight, and physiological disorders like bitter pit and sunburn.
In 1988, the Jonagold cultivar received the Outstanding Fruit Cultivar Award from the American Society for Horticultural Science. As of 2020, it was the most widely produced apple in Belgium, where it is used in Stella Cidre and is credited with saving the European fruit industry. According to the U.S. Apple Association, Jonagold was one of the fifteen most popular apple cultivars in the United States in 2008.
Jonagold Apple Nutrition Facts
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | medium apple (154g) |
| Amount Per Serving | |
| Calories | 80 |
| Calories from Fat | 0 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat | 0g (0%) |
| Saturated Fat | 0g (0%) |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg (0%) |
| Sodium | 0mg (0%) |
| Total Carbohydrates | 21g (7%) |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g (16%) |
| Sugars | 16g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Vitamin A | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 4% |
| Calcium | 0% |
| Iron | 0% |
What does a Jonagold Apple look like?
Jonagold apples are a medium to large variety with a round or oblate shape. The skin of these apples is semi-thin, smooth, and rugged, with a faint sheen.
One of the notable features of Jonagold apples is their coloration, which can vary depending on the climate. They can be yellow-green, yellow, or orange and red.
In commercial markets, you may find Jonagold apples with a yellow-green base hue, bright red-orange blush, and striping, giving them a diverse appearance.
What do Jonagold Apples taste like?
When you bite into a Jonagold apple, you’ll find ivory-to-white flesh that is crisp, juicy, and dense. The texture of the meat is crunchy and breaks easily.
At the apple’s core is a small fibrous center filled with tiny black-brown seeds. Jonagold apples have a subtly sweet aroma and a well-balanced combination of sugar and acidity. This creates a mild, sweet, and tangy taste with hints of floral, honeyed, and fruity flavors.
Overall, Jonagold apples offer a delightful eating experience with their pleasing texture and harmonious flavors.
When are Jonagold Apples in season?
Jonagolds may not have the best storage life, but they are fresh and delicious during late September and early October.
Is Jonagold a good eating apple?
Jonagold apples are a nutritious fruit that offers several health benefits. They are a great source of fiber, which helps regulate the digestive system and promote healthy bowel movements. Additionally, these apples contain potassium, which helps maintain fluid balance in the body, and vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and reduces inflammation.
In addition to these essential nutrients, Jonagold apples provide small amounts of other vital minerals. Copper is necessary for developing connective tissues, while magnesium supports optimal nerve functioning. Calcium is essential for building strong bones and teeth, and vitamin A helps maintain the health of various organs.
Furthermore, Jonagold apples contain various micronutrients, including iron, vitamin K, vitamin E, manganese, and zinc. These nutrients play essential roles in maintaining overall health and well-being.
The vibrant red color of Jonagold apple skin is attributed to anthocyanins, pigmented compounds with antioxidant properties. These compounds help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress.
Overall, including Jonagold apples in your diet can provide numerous health benefits due to their fiber content, essential vitamins and minerals, and antioxidant properties.
Difference between Jonagold apple vs Honeycrisp
| Characteristic | Jonagold Apples | Honeycrisp Apples |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | Sweet-tart with hints of honey and spice | Balanced combination of sweet and tart flavors |
| Texture | Slightly softer | Exceptionally crisp |
| Appearance | Yellow-green base color with red stripes or blush | Distinctive red and green skin with a glossy appearance |
| Size | Generally larger | Varies in size |
| Best Uses | Eating fresh, baking, and making applesauce | Snacking, salads, and baking |
What to make with Jonagold Apples?
Jonagold apples are known for their delicious sweet-tart flavor, making them perfect for fresh and cooked dishes. They were specifically bred to be enjoyed as a snack but can also be used in various ways.
Here are some ways you can enjoy Jonagold apples:
- Fresh: Eat them straight out of hand as a refreshing snack.
- Salads: Chop them up and add them to salads for a crisp and juicy element.
- Fruit Medleys: Mix them with other fruits for a colorful and flavorful fruit medley.
- Sandwiches: Add sliced Jonagold apples to sandwiches for a crunchy and sweet twist.
- Dipping: Slice the apples and dip them in nut butter, caramel, or chocolate for a tasty treat.
- Caramel Apples: Coat the apple in caramel for a festive fall dessert.
For cooked preparations, Jonagold apples can be used in various ways:
- Soups: Simmer them into soups to add a touch of sweetness and acidity.
- Sausages: Mince them and add them to links for added flavor.
- Stuffings: Incorporate chopped Jonagold apples into stuffings for a hint of sweetness.
- Apple Butter: Cook them down into apple butter for a spreadable treat.
- Jams and Preserves: Cook them into jams and other preserves to enjoy their flavor all year round.
- Sauces: Simmer them into sauces for a burst of sweetness.
When it comes to baking, Jonagold apples are an excellent choice:
- Pies, Cakes, and Muffins: Bake them into pies, cakes, and muffins for a delicious dessert.
- Crisps and Cobblers: Use them in crisps and cobblers for a warm and comforting treat.
- Streusels: Add them to streusel toppings for an extra layer of flavor.
- Baked Whole: Wrap the whole apple in puff pastry and bake it for an impressive dessert.
- Sauteed: Slice the apples and sauté them in browned butter and cinnamon for a tasty dessert.
If you’re looking for beverages, Jonagold Apples have you covered:
- Cocktails: Their sweet and acidic juice pairs well with cocktails.
- Cider: Use them to make delicious apple cider.
- Juice Blends: Mix their juice with other fruits for refreshing juice blends.
- Smoothies: Blend them into smoothies for a healthy and flavorful drink.
Lastly, for several weeks, you can store whole, unwashed Jonagold apples in a cool, dry, dark place. They can also be stored in the refrigerator. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can dry them for later use.
Jonagold apples go well with various ingredients:
- Nuts: Pair them with pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added crunch.
- Sweeteners: Combine them with vanilla, maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar for extra sweetness.
- Spices: Enhance their flavor with cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg.
Enjoy the versatility of Jonagold apples and explore all the delicious ways to incorporate them into your meals!
When are Jonagold Apples ready to pick?
Jonagold apples come in two types: semi-dwarf and dwarf cultivars. Semi-dwarf Jonagolds grow to be around 12-15 feet (3.5-4.5 m.) tall and wide, while the dwarf variety reaches a height of 8-10 feet (2.5-3 m.) and the same width.
These apples are ready for harvest in mid-September, during the mid-late season. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 months, but it’s best to consume them within two months of harvest for optimal flavor.
It’s important to note that Jonagold apples are self-sterile, meaning they require cross-pollination from another apple variety like Jonathan or Golden Delicious. They are not recommended for use as pollinators themselves.
Where to buy Jonagold Apples near me?
Please visit the Farm to Palm supermarket near you to buy delicious Jonagold apples. Or, if you prefer convenience, download our app from the App Store and shop online.
No need to spend time searching. With a few simple steps on your phone, you can have the best quality Jonagold apples at your fingertips. Take action quickly so you can take advantage of this opportunity!