Crab apples are the tiny, sour fruits that grow on flowering crab apple trees. With their beautiful blooms and attractive fruit, crab apples are a popular backyard tree. But many people wonder – why are crab apples poisonous? Can you actually eat crab apples safely?
In this article, we’ll explore the toxins found in crab apples to understand why they’re potentially dangerous. We’ll also look at ways to eat crab apples safely and how to avoid poisoning from these miniature fruits.
The Cyanide in Crab Apple Seeds
The main toxin found in crab apples is cyanide which is contained in the seeds. All apple seeds including regular apples and crab apples, contain a compound called amygdalin. This substance is broken down into hydrogen cyanide, also known as prussic acid, when ingested.
Cyanide is an extremely poisonous compound. It prevents cells from using oxygen properly, leading to cell death Even small amounts of cyanide can be toxic to humans As few as 1-3 apple seeds may contain enough cyanide to cause ill effects in adults. For small children, swallowing just 1-2 seeds could be fatal.
So why do apple seeds contain this poison? Cyanide within the seeds helps protect the seeds from being eaten by insects and other animals, This ensures the seed remains intact and can germinate into a new tree It’s an evolutionary defense mechanism,
While apple flesh is perfectly safe to eat, crab apple seeds clearly contain a potent toxin. So how much cyanide is in crab apple seeds specifically? Unfortunately, there’s limited research on the exact cyanide content. But we can assume the danger is comparable to regular apple seeds.
Risks of Eating Crab Apples Whole
Given the cyanide risk, what are the dangers of eating whole crab apples – seeds and all?
Swallowing a single crab apple seed is unlikely to cause poisoning in adults. However, consuming many seeds could accumulate enough cyanide to potentially cause toxicity. Effects may include:
- Nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting
- Headache, dizziness, confusion
- Difficulty breathing
- Low blood pressure, shock
- Loss of consciousness
For small children, eating just 1-2 intact crab apples with seeds could be extremely hazardous. The smaller body size makes little ones much more susceptible to cyanide’s harmful effects.
While crab apple flesh is edible, it’s best to avoid eating the fruits whole. The seeds and core should be removed before consuming crab apples.
Safe Ways to Eat Crab Apples
Luckily, there are safe ways to eat crab apples and avoid exposure to the toxins:
Cook Them
Heating or cooking crab apples helps destroy the amygdalin compound that breaks down into cyanide. Baked goods like pies, tarts, muffins, and chips are a delicious way to enjoy their tangy flavor. The high heat from baking renders the seeds non-toxic.
Make Jelly or Jam
The seeds and core can easily be removed when making crab apple jelly, jam, or preserves. This allows you to enjoy their tangy taste while avoiding the poisonous seeds. Be sure to use a jelly strainer to filter out any remaining seeds.
Juice Them
Crab apples can be pressed into juice or cider, leaving the core and seeds behind. Heat processing the juice further detoxifies any trace amygdalin.
Avoid Seeds and Core
When using crab apples in any raw preparation like salsa or coleslaw, carefully core and seed the fruits first. Any accidental seeds swallowed whole could pose a risk.
The Takeaway on Crab Apple Safety
While the flesh of crab apples is edible, their seeds contain toxic hydrogen cyanide. Consuming many seeds could accumulate enough poison to cause cyanide poisoning. Still, these miniature fruits can be safely enjoyed in moderation by removing the core and seeds first.
Cooking crab apples, making jelly, or pressing them into juice are all safe ways to consume them without poison risk. But if you choose to eat them raw, be vigilant about seed removal. Ultimately, education on the toxins in crab apples allows us to reap their benefits without falling victim to their evolutionary defenses.
What Are Crab Apples?
Crab apples are miniature apples made by flowering crab apple trees. These trees are excellent pollinators, and their fruit feeds many kinds of wildlife. As a whole, crab apple trees are attractive and valuable for the environment.
They belong to the genus Malus, like other apple trees. But, they make small, sour fruits â much different than the Macintosh or Honeycrisp apples you see while shopping for groceries.
What do crab apples look like? Crab apples can almost look like cherries sprouting from their trees because theyâre very small. These little fruits come in many colors, including red, yellow, and green. The telltale sign of a crab apple is its mini size.
How can you tell if a crab apple is ripe? To check if a crab apple is ripe, cut it open and look at the seeds. If theyâre brown instead of white or green, it means the crab apple is ready to eat. It should also feel squishy when you press it with your hand. A ripe crab appleâs taste will be sour but not overwhelmingly so.
What makes a crab apple different from an apple? The fruit needs to have a diameter of two inches or less to be considered a crab apple. Anything more than that is an ordinary apple. Beyond the size, crab apples and apples have very different flavors.
What Do Crab Apples Taste Like?
The name âcrab appleâ is an accurate representation of these fruitsâ mouth-puckering flavor. The deeper red varieties are well-known for being more bitter than those of other colors. Not even the ripest of crab apples resemble the sweet taste of an apple from an orchard.â
Some crab apple types are more palatable than others, but most people prefer not to eat them raw. The best way to enjoy these fruits is in baked goods and other sweetened recipes.
Is a crab apple tree poisonous to children? – Ms. Sushma Jaiswal
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