CrabapplesPosted 10 years ago under Uncategorized

Crabapples

Crabapples are the only apple native to North America.¹ Sour in flavor, they are much smaller than apples in size. Naturally high in pectin, they can be boiled down and the pectin strained out to use in other recipes. ² These tiny fruits are underused and unappreciated.

Taxonomy

Crabapples grown on trees that are part of the Malus genus.

Kingdom (Plantae) à Angiosperms à Eudicots à Rosids à Order (Rosales) à Family (Rosaceae) à Subfamily (Amygdaloideae) à Tribe (Maleae) à Subtribe (Malinae) à Genus (Malus)

Description

Crabapples grow on trees that range in height from 15 to 25 feet tall. Depending on the variety, they may have pink, red, or white flowers. Sometimes the leaves can be reddish purple.³ The edible fruit can be up to three inches in diameter and is tart in flavor. Typically, the fruit is used in jellies, ciders, apple butters, and apple sauce. ⁴

Distribution

Crabapple trees are native to both Asia and North America.⁵  Though they can tolerate a wide variety of soils, crabapple trees prefer a rich, loamy soil that is kept moist but well-drained. Also, it does best in slightly acidic soil and under full sun.⁶

Nutritional Information

Crabapples are a unique source of nutrition being high in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is a rich source of vitamin C, manganese, and potassium. It is also a good source of B vitamins and copper. ⁷

Commercial Cultivation

Crabapple trees are typically cultivated using grafting methods. ⁸Harvest is done during summer and fall.⁹

Diseases, Pests, Predators

Crabapple trees are susceptible to a number of unique and common diseases and pests. The most common diseases include fire blight, scab, botryosphaeria canker, frogeye leafspot, and apple rusts.¹⁰ Common pests include aphids, Japanese beetles, mites, and caterpillars. ¹¹

Sources