Are all Crabapples Edible?

Hi everyone,

I have a crabapple tree in my yard that was planted by the first owner of this house. It's about 30 years old. It's a nice tree, which produces tons of fruit. I'd like to can some of it, but I wasn't sure if all crabapples can be eaten? I don't know what type of crabapple it is, but the fruits are red and small, and usually have little "tails" on them. I can take a picture if that will help.

I am really hesitant about eating anything I didn't plant myself, but if they are edible crabapples, it's such a waste that we don't every year. Thank you for any help you can give.

I eat all my crabapples that are bigger than an inch.
If they are sour, and some are, I cook them with sugar.

But that's just me, I would wait for an expert to advise you!

Christie

If they are crabapples, they are edible. Whether they are tasty to you, you will have to determine for your self. Crabapple jelly comes to mind.

Thanks!

I was thinking jelly, but I am not sure about these crabapples. I can't match the type of crabapple I have to anything I can find. They are a purplish crabapple. This is what they look like. Any ideas?

I have no idea, but it would help if you would tell what the size of these crabapples is. But probably the only way to find out if you like them is to follow a recipe for crabapple jelly and see if you like it. You will have to add sugar to taste.

Thanks, pajaritomt!

The crabapple is about 3/4 of an inch, red-purple, and very hard. I don't know if that helps any. I can't find anything about what type it might be. The tree makes tons of pink flowers in the Spring. It is very pretty. I was hoping it would be useful too!

The 3/4 inch ones were probably not bred for fruit, but I would try it anyhow. Just be prepared to add lots of sugar to the juice. Try it on a small batch. The ones bred for fruit tend to have apples an inch or more in diameter. I have a weeping crab apple with fruit no larger than 1/2 inch in diameter. We don't use it but the birds fight each other for them.

Thanks so much, pajaritomt!

Are all Crabapples Edible? In my experience - only the ones that give you belly ache!