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Fruit & Orchards

Are crabapples ripe?

16 years ago

I have harvested two different kinds of crabapples but I don't know the variety of either. Is there a way to tell if they are ripe? Is there a particular time of year for the northeast when most are ripe, such as September or October? Any information would be very much appreciated.

Thank you, Amy

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Comments (4)

murkwell
16 years ago
I assume, that like other apples their seeds will turn dark when they are ripe.

If they have a starchy taste with light colored seeds they probably aren't. I'm not speaking from experience with crabapples, but rather am projecting what I know about regular apples.
jellyman
16 years ago
For God's sake, Amy, tell us where you are located when you post a question like this. Zone 5 United States is not enough. Your crabapples are probably ripe in September, or possibly earlier depending on the variety, but what is your plan for these crabapples? Are you going to make crabapple jelly, applesauce, or what? I agree with Murky that seed color is usually a reliable indicator of ripeness, but if you are making apple jelly you may not have to wait for this signal. Slightly under ripe fruit has more natural pectin and might be better for apple jelly.

Don Yellman, Great Falls, VA
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Don, Thanks, I may take you up on the offer. I have been in contact with Henry Fields and they do not have a replacement at this time, but will sent a replacement certificate. Between the scab and brown rot on the stone fruit, it has not been a good year down here. It seemed everytime I sprayed, it would storm and rain about 2 inches, then the wind would blow until the next rain. Birds got all the grapes, squirrels got all the cheeries, and crows are having fun with what's left. The saddest thing is my wife has had to buy tomatoes twice this summer to supplement our crop when more tomatoes were needed for a large batch of salsa. I have not purchased tomatoes in the summer since I have been here these 8 years. I had apples all winter and into the summer. The apple cooler worked and is now holding a variety of pears as well as my mystery apples. The humidity is very high, usually around 90 % or more. It was great for keeping corn fresh after harvest. I had trouble keeping the temperature close to 32 degrees as ice would form on the sides. Now I keep it between 34-40 as there seems to always be a 6 degree spread.
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jellyman
16 years ago
Sorry Amy, I should have said please tell us where you are located, not for God's sake. At least we know you are somewhere in the northeast. Crabapples normally ripen earlier than most full-size types, and yours might be very close right now. The brown-seed test is one good way to determine the ripeness of any apple. Some crabapples remain tart even when ripe, so taste is not always a reliable test. My apologies for jumping on you. I had just come in from a very hot day of working outdoors.

Don Yellman, Great Falls, VA
amyjean
Original Author
16 years ago
Jellyman -No apologies necessary. I thought it was quite amusing! My apologies to you! I am located in Central New York (Syracuse). I have always had quite a fascination with crabapples but have never had any. So, I have found a recipe for "crabapple/hot pepper jelly" that I'll try. I think I'm gleaning much good information from the comments above, so I'm going to delve into it this evening. I believe from what you and Murky have said, that one variety is ripe (brown seeds, no starchy taste), the other slightly underripe, which apparently will be a go for the jelly. Thanks again for the info! Amy

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