Chestnut (crab-apple)

Why you should be excited

Chestnut is a crab-apple from Minnesota that's a great pollinator and a source of quality fruit for jelly and more.

The story of Chestnut

If you think crab-apples are inedible little packets of acid and bitterness, it’s time for you to try a Chestnut crab.

This fine Minnesota-bred crab-apple isn’t just for making jelly. No way. It’s also very good in cider and even works as a refreshing fresh-eating fruit.

And, at about two inches in size (much larger than many crabs), you won’t need handfuls of them to make a snack.

Finally, given where it was bred, you can be confident you won’t likely have a winter that’s too miserably cold for it to survive.

Chestnut (crab) Facts

Its origins

Bred in Minnesota, 1946.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Fine-grained and crisp flesh is sweet, with a nutty flavour.

Appearance

A pale-yellow crab-apple with red blush, about two inches in diameter.

When they’re available

Early season (usually in early September).

Quality for fresh eating

Good.

Quality for cooking

Very good.

Quality for cider

Good.

Keeping ability

So-so (about a month when kept refrigerated).