Jonathan apples are one of the most popular apples for fresh eating.  They are an easy treat and healthy as well.  I am partial to Jonathan apples since my oldest son is named Jonathan.  No, I didn't name him after the apple but I made him eat quite a few as he was growing up.

Jonathan apples are a late ripening variety that can be harvested mid-September to mid-October.  They can also be used for cooking in sauces and baking in pies, typically thought of for desserts but can also be used in roasting with meat or included in a stuffing or in a fresh fruit salad.  I have a friend who uses apple wedges to dip in peanut butter as a treat. Wildlife are attracted to the apples as well, I also have a friend whose dog likes to pick up the ones that have fallen and chew on them.

The Jonathan apple is a medium sized fruit and will turn bright red in warmer climates and it will be striped in cooler climates.  They are hardy to zones 4-8 and prefer cold winters, moderate summers and high humidity.  Apple trees do need another tree to pollinate in order to produce the fruit.  Good pollinators are Granny Smith, Golden Delicious and Delicious apples.  You will want the trees to be no more than 100 feet apart for the best pollination.  You can also use a flowering Crabapple tree like a Dolgo as a pollinator.