Crabapples: A Guide for the Curious
Introduction
Spring is the season of blooms and fruits, and one of the most beautiful blooming trees is the crabapple. These trees produce small, apple-like fruits that are not only visually appealing but also edible. In this article, we will explore the world of crabapples, answering questions such as “Can you eat crabapples?” and providing tips on how to cook with them.
Are Crabapples Edible?
Yes, crabapples are edible, but they are not as sweet as regular apples. They have a tart flavor that can be enjoyed raw, but they are best cooked with some form of sweetener. Crabapples are a good source of pectin, which means they thicken when cooked, making them ideal for preserves, jellies, and sauces.
Cooking with Crabapples
The key to cooking with crabapples is to balance their tartness with sweetness. They can be used in any recipe that calls for apples, but you may need to add more sugar or sweetener to compensate for their tartness. Crabapples are also a great addition to chutneys and relishes, where their tartness can complement savory flavors.
Best Crabapples for Eating
There are many different varieties of crabapples, each with its own unique flavor and appearance. Some of the best crabapples for eating include:
- Sweet varieties: Pink Spires, Hopa, Red Vein, Garland
- Wild varieties: Tend to have larger fruit and a less tart flavor
- Dwarf varieties: Dolgo, ideal for small spaces and easy harvesting
Crabapple Recipes
Crabapples can be used in a variety of recipes, including:
- Cider: Pressing crabapples is a great way to use them up without having to peel and core them.
- Jelly: Crabapple jelly is a delicious and easy-to-make preserve.
- Fruit butter: Crabapple fruit butter is a thick and flavorful spread that can be enjoyed on toast or crackers.
- Sauce: Crabapple sauce is a great accompaniment to pork, chicken, or duck.
- Compote: Crabapple compote is a sweet and tangy dessert that can be served with yogurt or ice cream.
Spiced Crabapples
One of the most popular ways to preserve crabapples is to make spiced crabapples. This recipe is simple and delicious, and it can be enjoyed immediately or canned for later.
Ingredients:
- 5 lbs (4.19 l.) crabapples
- 4 1/2 c. (576 g.) apple cider vinegar
- 4 c. (512 g.) water
- 7 1/2 c. (960 g.) sugar
- Whole cloves and cinnamon sticks
- Fresh grated ginger root
Instructions:
- Wash the crabapples and remove the stems.
- Puncture the crabapples several times with a fork or toothpick.
- In a large pot, combine the water, sugar, and vinegar. Bring to a boil.
- Add the crabapples and spices to the boiling mixture.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let steep overnight.
- Enjoy the spiced crabapples immediately or can them for later.
Conclusion
Crabapples are a versatile and delicious fruit that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you are looking for a tart treat to eat raw, a sweet preserve to spread on toast, or a flavorful addition to your next meal, crabapples are a great choice.
