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18 Surprising and Delicious Uses for Crab Apples

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Crab apples are the small, sour fruits that grow on crabapple trees. While they may seem unappealing at first glance, these tart little apples can be used in a variety of ways. From making jams and jellies to crafting cider and wine, crab apples are a versatile ingredient that no homesteader should waste.

Crab apple trees produce fruit that is usually less than 2 inches wide. They have an extremely tart, acidic taste that can pucker your mouth. The high pectin content makes them excellent for making jellies, jams, sauces, and preserves. Crab apples come in a range of colors from yellow and green to red and purple. Popular varieties include Whitney, Chestnut, Transcendent, Dolgo, and Centennial.

While you may be tempted to leave crab apples to rot on the ground, these little fruits have a lot to offer. Their sharp flavor is perfect for balancing out sweetness in recipes. They also contain various nutrients and plant compounds that are beneficial for health.

18 Great Uses for Crab Apples

Here are 18 excellent ways to use up crab apples from your tree

1. Crab Apple Jelly

Crab apple jelly is a classic way to use up a surplus of these fruits. Their natural pectin content allows them to thicken and set up beautifully. Spread crab apple jelly on biscuits, toast, or scones.

2. Fruit Leathers

Dehydrate crushed crab apples to make homemade fruit leather snacks They have a nice tart flavor that kids will love,

3. Crab Apple Pie Filling

Cook crab apples with sugar and spices to make a delicious pie filling. The tartness balances out the richness of the pie crust.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Chop crab apples into small pieces and ferment them to make your own apple cider vinegar. Add “mother” from a store-bought vinegar to kickstart the process

5. Fruit Sauce

Puree cooked crab apples with a sweetener like honey or maple syrup for a tangy fruit sauce. Drizzle over yogurt, pancakes, or ice cream.

6. Chutney

The natural pectin in crab apples makes them perfect for chutney. Cook diced crab apples with vinegar, sugar, and spices to yield a delicious condiment.

7. Crab Apple Butter

For an apple butter with a twist, use crab apples as the base. Cook pulp with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar.

8. Fruit Powders

Dehydrate sliced crab apples and blend into a powder to add flavor and nutrition to smoothies.

9. Jams

Craft crab apple jam by crushing the fruit and cooking with sugar. The natural pectin allows it to thicken beautifully.

10. Fruit Leather

Puree crab apples and dehydrate into chewy fruit leather strips. They make a healthy snack that’s packed with nutrients.

11. Crab Apple Wine

These fruits can be used to make a dry, tart wine. Ferment crab apple juice with wine yeast and age in bottles for a unique homemade wine.

12. Crab Apple Cider

Juice crab apples and add spices to make a delicious fall cider. Warm up mugs of it on cool autumn nights.

13. Pickled Crab Apples

Pickle sliced crab apples in vinegar and spices for a unique condiment to pair with rich meats like pork or duck.

14. Crab Apple Chips

For a healthy chip alternative, slice crab apples thinly and dehydrate them until crispy.

15. Infused Vinegar

Add crab apple peels and scraps to vinegar to infuse it with bright flavor. Strain out the solids and use the vinegar in dressings and marinades.

16. Apple Molasses

Simmering down pureed crab apples makes an apple molasses with notes of caramel. Use it like maple syrup on pancakes, yogurt, and oatmeal.

17. Fruit Powder

Dehydrate chopped crab apples and grind them into a tangy, nutritious powder. Stir it into smoothies, oatmeal, or yogurt.

18. Bellini Cocktails

Muddle crab apple puree and use in bellini cocktails instead of peach puree. Top with prosecco for an amazing brunch cocktail.

Health Benefits of Crab Apples

Don’t let their small size and extreme tartness fool you – crab apples are packed with nutrients and plant compounds that are great for your health. Here are some of the top benefits:

  • High antioxidant levels – The polyphenols and anthocyanins in crab apples have potent antioxidant effects that can help reduce inflammation and cellular damage.

  • Source of pectin – The high pectin content of crab apples has been linked to improved digestive health and cholesterol levels.

  • Anti-diabetic potential – Animal studies show crab apple extracts may help reduce blood sugar levels and manage diabetes symptoms.

  • Cardioprotective effects – The phytochemicals in crab apples may help reduce risk factors for heart disease like high blood pressure and cholesterol.

  • Anticancer abilities – Early research shows the polyphenol compounds in crab apples may help prevent the growth and spread of certain cancer cells.

Storing Crab Apples

Crab apples keep best when refrigerated. Place them in a perforated plastic bag in your fridge’s crisper drawer. They will stay fresh for 4-6 weeks when stored this way. For longer storage, consider freezing sliced crab apples for later use in recipes.

Time to Take Advantage of Crab Apples

As you can see, crab apples have a ton of culinary and health benefits when used creatively. Hopefully this gives you some inspiration for using up the bounty from your crabapple tree. From jam to cider and everything in between, crab apples are a versatile homestead ingredient not to be wasted.

what to do with crab apples

Everything You Need to Know About Crabapples! | DAFT

FAQ

What can you do with crab apples?

… out there for using crabapples, like making applesauce, baking crisps, pressing into juice, fermenting into liqueur, or even making homemade apple butter

What is the best way to eat crab apples?

Crab apples are generally too tart to eat raw, but they can be enjoyed in a variety of cooked and processed forms. They are excellent for making jams, jellies, sauces, and butters due to their high pectin content.

Are crab apples used for anything?

Crab apples, while typically too tart to eat raw, are incredibly versatile for cooking and crafting. They can be used to make delicious jellies, jams, sauces, and even apple butter. Their high pectin content makes them ideal for creating a thick, flavorful jelly.

When should crab apples be picked?

Crab apples are typically ready to pick from late summer through fall, with specific timing varying by variety and location. Generally, they ripen from late August through October. To determine ripeness, look for a change in color (red, yellow, or orange depending on the variety) and a slight give when squeezed.

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