Crab apples are a unique fruit that can add tart flavor and beautiful color to jams, jellies, sauces, baked goods, and more. But where exactly can you find these petite apples with the big personality? I’ve compiled this complete guide on locating crab apples near you.
What Are Crab Apples?
Crab apples are tiny wild apples that grow on small, ornamental trees. Ranging from cherry-sized to about two inches wide, they have bright red, yellow, or green skin and firm white flesh inside. While generally too tart to enjoy raw, crab apples transform recipes when cooked. Their high pectin content makes them ideal for jellies and preserves.
Popular crab apple uses:
- Jams, jellies, and preserves
- Pies, tarts, and baked desserts
- Sauces, chutneys, and relishes
- Juices, ciders, and vinegars
- Pickling and canning
When Is Crab Apple Season?
Crab apples have a short harvest season from late summer into fall. Peak availability is from August through October depending on your location. Here’s when to find fresh crab apples near you:
- August: Varieties start ripening towards end of month
- September: Prime season with plentiful supply
- October: Winding down but some late harvests available
- November to July: Mostly unavailable until next season
For the best selection, plan to buy crab apples in September at the height of fresh local harvests However, you may get lucky and find some in August or October as well
Where to Buy Crab Apples In Season
When crab apples are ripe for picking, here are the best places to find them:
Farmers Markets
Farmers markets should be your first stop to connect with local growers selling fresh picked crab apples. Peak season varies by location, so chat with vendors about best timing
U-Pick Orchards
For the freshest crab apples, pick your own at “u-pick” orchards. Kids love these family adventures! Call ahead to confirm availability.
Specialty Produce Markets
Upscale grocers may carry unique varieties of crab apples Check stores focused on local, seasonal produce.
Roadside Farm Stands
Keep an eye out for crab apples at farm stands, especially in rural areas near orchards. Limited supply but can get lucky.
Buying Crab Apples Online
If a trip to an orchard isn’t possible, order crab apples online when in season. Sites like Marx Foods and Melissa’s Produce ship fresh crab apples nationwide. Just be mindful of high shipping fees and delivery time.
Local Facebook groups, Nextdoor, and Craigslist are other places to check for folks selling excess crab apples from their trees.
Getting Crab Apples Out of Season
Once peak crab apple season ends, switch to preserved options to enjoy their flavor all year:
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Canned crab apples – Sold in light syrup or water
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Jarred crab apple products – Jelly, jam, marmalade
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Bottled crab apple juice – Tart, refreshing drink
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Dried crab apple rings – Tasty snack or baking addition
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Frozen crab apples – Blanch first to preserve texture
Grocery stores stock limited crab apple products, so purchase online or make your own preserves after harvest season.
Choosing the Best Crab Apples
Follow these tips when selecting fresh crab apples:
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Choose firm, shiny apples without bruises
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Opt for smaller fruits, around 1-2 inches wide
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Avoid apples with holes, splits, or decay
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Refrigerate quickly, use within 2-3 weeks
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For cooking, pick very tart crab apples
Popular tart varieties like ‘Chestnut’ and ‘John Downie’ work great in recipes. Ask growers for tart recommendations.
Proper Crab Apple Storage
Crab apples are highly perishable. Follow these guidelines to extend their shelf life:
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Refrigerate in a perforated plastic bag
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Store in coldest part of fridge, like berries
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Remove any spoiled apples immediately
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Expect fresh crab apples to last 2-3 weeks max
Proper storage keeps crab apples fresh for using in all your favorite recipes.
Foraging for Crab Apples
In some regions, crab apples grow wild along roadsides or woodlands. Foraging requires correctly identifying crab apples and getting permission from landowners.
To avoid poisonous look-alikes, consult local foraging experts and field guides. When in doubt, steer clear.
For beginners, purchasing crab apples from reputable sellers is the safest bet. Once you gain experience, responsibly foraged crab apples can be an eco-friendly option.
Crab Apple Uses
Now that you know where to find crab apples, here are some of the amazing things you can make with them:
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Jellies and jams – Crab apple jelly highlights their tangy flavor.
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Fruit preserves – Whole crab apples float beautifully in jars.
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Juice and cider – Similar to apple juice but with a kick.
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Vinegars – Flavorful in salad dressings and marinades.
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Sauces and chutneys – Enhance meats and cheeses.
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Baked goods – Muffins, tarts, scones, and more!
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Salads – Thinly sliced crab apples add crunch.
Let crab apples put their trademark tartness to work in your kitchen. Savor their short season while it lasts!
Key Takeaways on Finding Crab Apples
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Source fresh crab apples at orchards, farms, and markets in season from August-October.
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Buy canned, dried, or preserved crab apple products during the off season.
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Select firm, brightly colored crab apples under 2 inches wide.
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Refrigerate quickly and use within 2-3 weeks.
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Forage with care and only with guidance from local experts.
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Highlight crab apples’ signature tanginess in jellies, baked goods, salads, and more!
Where do crabapples grow?
Crabapples are common and widely distributed across the Midwest. They can be found in parks, abandoned orchards, former homesteads, open woods, thickets, old fields, streambanks, grasslands and near hiking trails.
Raintree Nursery Fruit Feature: Dolgo Crabapples!
FAQ
Where are crab apples found?
Malus angustifolia Michx., Southern crab apple is commonly found from southern Virginia south to northern Florida, west to Louisiana, and north to Arkansas.
Where to pick crab apples?
These small sized apples can be found on trees nestled amongst hedgerows, fields, woodlands, and gardens during the autumn and winter seasons.
Can you eat crabapples right off the tree?
As with other apples, do not eat the core or seeds which contain a toxic compound that can turn into cyanide when eaten. Crab apples are sour because they contain more malic acid – the same taste as in unripe apples. Many people are surprised to hear that crab apples are edible straight from the tree.
What is the season for crab apples?
As with their full-sized apple cousins, the fruits of different crab apple trees come into maturity from late summer to mid-fall, offering a huge window for crab apple experimentation. Remember: Taste before you pick!