Apple Tree Jonathan - Malus domestica

The 'Jonathan' apple tree is an old variety, with a mid-late flowering time, and a consistent yield, forming a tree with a wide structure. It produces a round apple, of medium size, with a smooth, thin, shiny skin, golden yellow, abundantly striped with bright red, especially on the sunny side, with few lenticels. Its creamy white flesh is firm, crisp, moderately juicy, sweet and tart, with a flavourful taste. Harvest begins around early October, the fruits are consumable from November and can be stored until February if picked late. Pleasantly tart and rich in sugars, it is a delicious apple to enjoy throughout the winter. Excellent cooked, in pies, compotes, or pan-fried, it is also highly appreciated in savory recipes. It is a self-sterile variety that requires the presence of other apple varieties to improve pollination.

The Malus domestica, also known scientifically as Malus communis or Malus pumila, is commonly called the Common or Domestic Apple tree. It belongs to the Rosaceae family. Present in France and Europe since ancient times, it is a fruit tree native to the forests of Central Asia. It has excellent hardiness and is probably the most cultivated fruit tree in Northern Europe. There are about 20,000 varieties, including approximately 10,000 of American origin, 2,000 of English origin, and 2,000 of Chinese origin. The 'Jonathan' Malus domestica is an old variety, resulting from a crossbreeding of 'Esopus Spitzenberg' in the United States at Philippe Rick's farm in Woodstock, New York in 1826. Widely cultivated in America, it is classified among the best apples. Introduced to Europe in 1880, it is quite common in the Hauts-de-France region and Wallonia in Belgium.

The 'Jonathan' Apple tree is a spreading tree, with a wide structure that can reach a diameter of 6 metres (20 feet). Its habit is suitable for both low and tall forms. Its foliage consists of large, ovate leaves, greenish-brown on top, whitish-green underneath, deeply toothed. The mid-late flowering occurs in late April, which generally protects it from frost. The white flowers are destroyed by frost at temperatures below -2 to -3°C (28.4 to 26.6°F). It is a hardy tree that can withstand temperatures around -30°C (-22°F), making it suitable for cultivation in all regions of France. Varieties such as 'Cox's Orange', 'Golden Delicious', 'Granny Smith', 'Idared', 'Reine des Reinettes', 'Transparente de Croncels' or any other mid-late flowering variety are suitable for cross-pollination and obtaining satisfactory fruiting. Ornamental apple trees, such as 'Perpetu Evereste' and 'John Downie' crabapples, bloom abundantly and can be excellent pollinators.

The 'Jonathan' Apple tree is a vigorous variety, with a medium but consistent yield, and a rapid fruiting period, resistant to scab and susceptible to powdery mildew.

The apple can be consumed both raw and cooked, in compotes, pastries, paired with cheeses, or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes, with black pudding, pork, or in salads. It is also perfect for making juice. Rich in carbohydrates and fructose, it is invigorating, energising, and rehydrating. Its content of vitamins A, B, C, and E, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fibre makes the apple a health asset. The fruits can be stored until February if picked late. Storage can be done in a cool, clean place, protected from light, at a temperature of around 8 to 10°C (46.4 to 50°F) or in a cold room, sealed from outside air, at a temperature of 1 to 3°C (33.8 to 37.4°F). The apple releases ethylene, a gas that promotes fruit ripening. To accelerate the ripening of other fruits or vegetables, place your apples next to them.

Very popular thanks to its fruits, the 'Jonathan' apple tree finds its place in the garden for the enjoyment of young and old. Among a very wide range of apple trees, it is easy to find the variety that best suits one's desires.