Jonwin

Why you should be excited

Jonwin is one of many obscure apple varieties bred by independent-minded U.S. apple breeder Albert Etter.

The story of Jonwin

The first challenge with Jonwin is to figure out where it came from.

The legendary -- at least in the minds of folks who admire independent-minded apple breeders -- Albert Etter asserted that it was a cross between two U.S. classics: Jonathan as mother and Baldwin as father.

But many experts doubt this claim, as Baldwin is well known to be a terrible pollinator (well, it's effectively sterile), so it is considered a long-shot to be the male parent for any new varieties.

Whether or not those are its parents, Jonwin is an attractive apple that shares some characteristics with its purported parents: the crispness of Baldwin and the distinctive aromatic flavour of Jonathan. It also wins over some fans while remaining -- like Etter's other apple varieties -- relatively obscure.

Jonwin Facts

Its origins

Bred in Ettersburg, California, USA in the first half of the 20th century.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Crisp and aromatic.

Appearance

The yellow skin of this handsome apple is partly covered with bright-red stripes.

When they’re available

Mid-season (usually in mid-September).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for fresh eating.

Quality for cider

Not particularly known for its use in cider.

Keeping ability

So-so (about 1 month when kept refrigerated).