Crab Apples .......

jtb2412

Firstly, there is a tree (on public land) that has loadsssssss of crab apples on it - am I allowed to pick them?

If I am allowed to pick them, what can I make with them?

All ideas and suggestions greatly received :beer:

TIA xx

evilgoose

When you say 'public land' what do you mean?

Generally its its a farmers field etc should ask the owners permission. Usually if you dont intend to strip the tree they shouldnt object.

If it is public land then I think its ok.

If they are proper crab apples and not just a domestic apple which has grown then they'll be quite tart (when I say quite I mean - have you ever seen the simpsons episode where Homer eats the super sour sweet??)

They're best cooked, unless you're Rambo. Try them stewed, or as an a nice sharp apple sauce with Pork.
My personal favourite is as an Jelly on toast. (even nicer if you've got sloes in the area and make a crab apple and sloe jelly, if you like a marmalade with a kick its great on toast.)

angelavdavis

Crab apple jelly
Hot Crab Apple and Chilli Jelly
Crab Apple and Pomegranate Jelly
Pickled Crab Apples
Crab Apple Wine

jtb2412

Hi evilgoose ..... thanks for that, really helpful :beer:

Public land meaning an area of grass (don't know how else to describe it really!) .... just off the pathway, with some bungalows behind .... it's not private land or walkways so I guess I can pick away ! The local town council cut the grass. No idea how long the tree has been there but it's huge !

MIL said about the apple jelly but i've not got the equipment to do it. Might have to bite the bullet and go and get the bits and bobs i'll need (luckily a local store does all that kind of stuff).

I have to take DD to guides shortly so might have to take a carrier bag with me for on the way back - just hope the old folk who live in the bungalows behind don't come out shaking their walking sticks at me ! :eek:

Farway

If the land is as described it seems similar to an area near me, and I pick small wild plums there, did it last year & had "my" first crop last Monday for this year

"my" blackberries on a verge are getting ripe now, so tomorrow is the first crop from there, if someone doesn't beat me to it

I would just pick away, take just what you need and leave rest for others is how I play it

jtb2412

Thanks for those links angelavdavis - think i'll have to try the crab apple and chilli one (got plenty of chillis ripening in the greenhouse atm !)

Been and picked a few already (couldn't wait lol) so i'll nip down the shop tomorrow and buy a jelly bag and make some. There must be about 100 carrier bags worth on the tree !

Have also got some 'wild' blackberries growing up the side of our house as well. Not quite ready yet but will have to get to them before the neighbours do ! Mind you, off on hols in 2 weeks so hoping they'll be ready before then.

You're lucky with the plum trees Farway, used to have some where we lived before and I was always nipping out to get some for plum crumble :drool:

Thanks again everyone ...... never ceases to amaze me how helpful people are on here :A :beer:

Farway

Just a thought on the crab apples, they may be there but not really ripe, like other UK apples they are not ready until at least September

I do realise crabs will never be sweet, but they may get a bit larger & softer if left on the tree a few more months

Barneysmom

It's only the same as picking blackberries from hedges so I should think it would be fine.
Just leave some for the birds

bella165

angelavdavis wrote: »

Crab apple jelly
Hot Crab Apple and Chilli Jelly
Crab Apple and Pomegranate Jelly
Pickled Crab Apples
Crab Apple Wine

wow ive crab apple wine, i will be making this,thankyou

jtb2412

Well crab apples have been boiled to a pulp and now draining into a Jelly bag (doing the Jelly).

I wondered if they were 'ready' yet too Farway but they are lovely and pink (quite big too) and are dropping off the trees already (signs of climate warming me thinks !) ....... will see how it turns out and if it's a bit 'sharp' then there's plenty more to make another batch later on in the year

kittykitten

My next door neighbour has 2 crab apple trees in his garden, always give us loads of the fruit, although it's usually later in the year before it starts falling - either your apple tree is an early blossomer or it really is a sign of global warming!

I tend to make puddings with the apples - apple crumble, apple pie, etc. They're quite nice apples to cook with because they are naturally quite sour, so you can make puddings with the required amount of sugar to caramelise the apples without them becoming too sweet.