Friday, August 31, 2018

Apple of the Week: Chestnut Crab

A pile of small piebald apples, red, olive, and russet colors

Do I cook with these? a woman asked me at Farmers Market.

I told her they were great eating apples, but I don't think she believed me. Misled by the size and by the myth of sour crabs.

Chestnut Crabapple is better than good, the only apple I have ever demoted from 3 to 2 stars. Not an easy decision, either.

If that sounds like faint praise, consider that only five apples bear my 3-star rating. Technically that makes the Chestnut my No. 6.

They are early, they are lovely, and remind me a little of Cox's Orange Pippin.

How do you like them apples? Give it a try if you can!

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1 comment:

  1. Just tried these little apples for the very first time, picked off the tree a couple weeks ago from an old farmstead from the 40’s. Very good eating out of hand and I thought I might try and make a hard cider with them. I already have permission to collect some scion wood this coming winter and looking forward to adding his one to my collection.

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