Finding the Perfect Crab Apples: A Guide to Purchasing This Unique Fruit

With their petite size and tart, tangy taste, crab apples are unlike any other variety of apple. They lend a wonderful floral aroma and bold flavor when used in jams, jellies, chutneys, baking, and cooking. But where exactly can you buy fresh crab apples when they come into season? This guide will walk you through the best places to purchase these special little apples.

What Are Crab Apples?

Before we dive into where to buy them, let’s quickly go over what exactly crab apples are. Crab apples are tiny wild apples that grow on small shrubby trees. There are over 800 cultivars of crab apples. Though some types can be eaten fresh, most are quite tart and sour.

Instead crab apples are primarily used for

• Cooking – Their pectin gives body to sauces and great texture to baked goods

• Preserves – High in pectin and acidity, they excel in jellies, jams, chutneys.

• Beverages – Crab apples impart nice acidity and tannins when fermented into cider, wine, vinegar.

• Landscaping – Their pretty blossoms and miniature fruits make ornamental additions to gardens.

Now that you know a bit about them, let’s explore the best places to buy fresh crab apples.

Farmer’s Markets

One of the best ways to find fresh, in-season crab apples is to visit your local farmer’s market. Search for markets in your area that feature local farms and food producers. The peak season for crab apples is late summer through early fall.

Walk the market stalls and look for vendors selling fruits and vegetables. Ask if they have any crab apples available. Farmer’s markets allow you to find ultra-fresh crab apples and support local agriculture.

Pick-Your-Own Orchards

For a fun Harvesting experience, visit a pick-your-own orchard. Many orchards grow crab apple trees and allow you to hand select ripe fruit straight from the tree. Simply pay by the pound or bucket.

Search for “pick your own crab apples near me” to find orchards in your region. Be sure to call ahead to ask when crab apples will be ready for picking.

Specialty Food Stores

Local specialty food stores and gourmet markets are another good bet for finding crab apples. Stores that focus on local, seasonal ingredients are likely to carry crab apples when they are in season.

In particular, look for:

• Farmers markets stores
• Co-ops with local produce
• Specialty grocers like Whole Foods
• Old-fashioned country stores

Stop by these stores during crab apple season and check the produce section. The staff may also be able to procure them for you even if they aren’t on the shelves.

Online Shopping

For maximum convenience, you can order crab apples online from various sources:

• Online farmers markets like Farmbox Direct allow you to shop for local crab apples online.

• Grocery delivery services like Instacart let you add fresh crab apples to an order if a local store carries them.

• Specialty food websites like Melissa’s Produce sell and ship fresh crab apples nationwide.

With online shopping, you can get crab apples delivered straight to your door at peak freshness.

Local Orchards and Fruit Stands

If you live near any orchards or farms that grow crab apple trees, they are likely to sell the fresh apples come harvest time. Many orchards operate seasonal fruit stands.

You can also look for family-owned farms in your county that sell honey, cider, preserves, and other products. Give them a call and ask if they plan to sell fresh crab apples.

Large Grocery Chains

Even large supermarkets like Kroger, Safeway, or Albertsons may carry fresh crab apples when they are in season, though selection is hit or miss. Be sure to call ahead to ask produce managers when and if they will carry crab apples.

The benefit of grocers is convenience, but quality may not be as high as farmer’s markets or direct farm purchases. Inspect apples closely for bruises.

Tips for Selecting Fresh, Quality Crab Apples

Once you’ve located a source of fresh crab apples, use these tips for choosing the best quality fruit:

• Look for small, firm apples with smooth, unblemished skin.

• Avoid any with cuts, holes, mold or dark soft spots.

• Opt for vibrant red, orange, yellow or multi-colored skin depending on variety.

• Fragrance indicates freshness – select very aromatic apples.

• Handle gently to avoid bruising delicate skin.

• Refrigerate soon after purchase to preserve crispness.

• Plan to use within 1-2 weeks before flavor and texture fade.

Creative Uses for Crab Apples

The unique floral aroma and tart bite of crab apples lend them to many creative uses beyond basic jam or pie filling. Here are some fun ways to put them to use:

• Craft a crab apple wreath for your front door by threading fruit onto a wire frame.

• Infuse vodka or gin with crab apples for a sweet-tart flavored spirit.

• Mix chopped crab apples into pancake or muffin batter for a breakfast treat.

• Make crab apple butter by slow cooking sliced apples into thick, sweet spread.

• Candy crab apples by coating with caramel or chocolate for a party snack.

With so many options, crab apples are a versatile ingredient to have in your kitchen.

Enjoy the Fruitful Flavor of Crab Apples

The diminutive crab apple may not get as much attention as bigger, sweeter apple varieties. But their powerful punch of tart, fruity flavor is perfect for cooking and preserving. With farmer’s markets, orchards, specialty stores and online shopping, you have many options to seek out fresh crab apples in season. Choose firm, vibrant fruit and enjoy crab apples in jams, baked goods, sauces, and more.