Where Can You Buy Crab Apples? A Guide to Sourcing This Unique Fruit

Crab apples are a tart petite variety of apple that pack a ton of flavor. With their eye-catching appearance and culinary versatility, crab apples make a unique ingredient to cook and bake with. But where can you buy crab apples if you don’t have a tree in your own yard? Tracking them down at the grocery store can be hit or miss depending on the season and your location. This article will provide tips on where and how to source fresh crab apples as well as preserved options when they are out of season.

What Are Crab Apples?

Crab apples are tiny, firm apples that range in shape from oval to round They have brightly colored red, yellow, or green skin that is sometimes heavily speckled The flesh inside can be quite tart and acidic. Crab apples are generally under 2 inches wide.

While too tart to eat raw, crab apples make fantastic additions to recipes when cooked. Popular uses for crab apples include:

• Jams, jellies, preserves
• Pies, tarts, baked desserts
• Sauces, chutneys, relishes
• Vinegars, ciders, juices
• Pickling and canning

Their petite size, crisp texture, and intense tartness are perfect for these applications. The natural pectin in crab apples also makes them ideal for jellies and preserves.

When Is Crab Apple Season?

Crab apples have a relatively short season that runs from late summer into fall. Here is when to find fresh crab apples at their peak:

• August to October – Check farmers markets and orchards for crab apple varieties.
• September – Peak availability for fresh crab apples.
• October to November – End of season finds waning supplies of fresh crab apples.

As a rule, crab apples are one of the earliest apple varieties to ripen in late summer. Their season ends sooner than regular apples that are harvested from September through November in most regions.

Where to Buy Fresh Crab Apples In Season

Here are some of the best places to find fresh crab apples during their peak season from August to October:

Farmers Markets

Farmers markets are an excellent source for in-season crab apples, especially through September. Look for small, colorful crab apple varieties sold in baskets or bags. Ask vendors when they expect peak supplies.

Pick-Your-Own Orchards

Apple orchards that offer pick-your-own apple harvesting may have crab apple trees available as well. Call ahead to orchards in your area to ask about availability and pricing. This is a fun way to collect small batches of crab apples straight from the source.

Specialty Produce Markets

Higher-end grocers and produce markets that sell exotic fruits and vegetables may carry crab apples when they are in season. These specialty stores tend to label produce by their unique varietal names.

Roadside Farm Stands

Locally owned farm stands, especially those located in apple-growing regions, will often sell crab apples alongside regular apple varieties in the fall. Crab apples grown in someone’s backyard may find their way to rural farm stands as well.

Online Stores

National online stores like Marx Foods and Melissa’s Produce allow you to order fresh crab apples online to be shipped when available in late summer and fall. Just be aware of shipping costs for expedited delivery.

Foraging from Wild Trees

Use caution if foraging for crab apples from wild, unknown trees. Cultivated varieties from orchards will be higher quality for cooking and baking. Only pick wild crab apples from trees you can positively identify as safe.

Buying Crab Apples Out of Season

It is possible to buy canned or jarred crab apples during the off-season when fresh is not available. Start checking grocery stores in late fall through winter for these crab apple products:

• Canned crab apples – Sold in syrup or water, often as halved or whole crab apples. These will be relatively soft in texture but still useful for cooking.

• Jarred crab apple spreads – Look for jams, jellies, preserves, and marmalades made from crab apples. These showcase their intense tart flavor.

• Crab apple juice and vinegar – Bottled crab apple juice provides sweet-tart flavor. Their juice also makes great vinegar.

• Dried crab apples – Sold as rings, chips, or halves with intensely concentrated flavor. Rehydrate before use.

• Frozen crab apples – Less commonly found but will keep several months in the freezer before developing texture issues from freezer burn.

Follow safe storage instructions for any type of preserved crab apples purchased. Refrigerate after opening and use within a week or two for best quality.

What to Look for When Buying Fresh Crab Apples

Keep the following tips in mind when selecting fresh crab apples:

• Size – Opt for smaller apples, generally under 2 inches in diameter. Larger crab apples tend to be mealier in texture.

• Firmness – Choose apples that feel hard and crisp with no indentations when gently squeezed. Avoid bruised or mushy spots.

• Color – Pick crab apples with bright, vibrant color whether red, yellow, or green. Dull color is a sign of age.

• Condition – Inspect crab apples and reject any with holes, splits, decay, or worm damage. A few small speckles are okay.

• Flavor – For cooking, choose crab apples with an intense tart flavor. Popular tart varieties include ‘Chestnut’ and ‘John Downie’.

• Quantity – Crab apples are highly perishable. Only purchase what you can use within a couple weeks.

Proper Storage for Fresh Crab Apples

Once you’ve sourced fresh crab apples, proper home storage is crucial:

• Refrigerate unwashed crab apples in a plastic bag with holes for airflow. Store in the coldest part of the fridge.

• Sort through the batch every few days and remove any apples showing signs of mold or moisture loss.

• Use crab apples within 2-3 weeks before deterioration occurs. Discard any that become mushy or moldy.

• Freeze for longer term storage. Syrup or juice recipes may use frozen crab apples.

Follow guidelines on packaging for preserved types like canned, jarred, or dried crab apples. Refrigerate all opened products.

Popular Types of Crab Apples to Look For

Many cultivated varieties of crab apple trees exist. Some to look for by name include:

• Chestnut – Small, yellow-green fruit with very tart flavor perfect for cooking. A popular species.

• John Downie – Fruits abundantly with 1-2 inch red-orange crab apples ideal for jellies.

• Whitney – A favored, early ripening crab apple with red and yellow mottled skin. Makes great cider.

• Dolgo – Tart red fruit on this cold hardy, disease-resistant tree. Good pollinator.

• Centennial – Round, red-blushed fruit good for eating fresh or cooked. On the sweeter side.

There are over 100 varieties of cultivated crab apples but most fall into two main species groups: Malus sylvestris (European) and Malus floribunda (Japanese). The species indicates the general size, flavor, and uses.

Key Takeaways on Sourcing Crab Apples

Crab apples offer a burst of tart apple flavor perfect for recipes when used in season. Follow these tips to source fresh and preserved crab apples:

• Check farmers markets and orchards from August-October for peak fresh crab apples.

• Preserved options like jarred, canned, or dried can be used year-round.

• Select smaller, firm crab apples under 2 inches wide with bright, vibrant color.

• Refrigerate fresh crab apples promptly in a breathable bag and use within 2-3 weeks.

• Look for names like Chestnut, John Downie, Whitney, Dolgo, and Centennial.

• Frozen and pureed crab apples work in some cooked recipes.

With a little seasonal planning, you can find this unique fruit even without access to a backyard crab apple tree. Crab apples add wonderful old-fashioned flavor when used in jams, baked goods, juices, and more. Sourcing them at the peak of freshness lets you enjoy their fantastic tart apple taste.