Manchurian (crab)

Why you should be excited

Manchurian is a decidedly attractive crab-apple with pretty, fragrant snow-white blooms and loads of very small fruit.

The story of Manchurian (crab)

Crab-apple trees are widely used to pollinate all apple varieties, as they produce large volumes of blooms packed with high-quality pollen and do so over a long season.

Thankfully, crab-apples are equally valuable as a power-packed addition to cider blends, adding acid, tannin and flavour that ups the game of less interesting apple varieties.

The Manchurian crab stands out for the beauty of its profuse white blooms and the intensity of the juice in its tiny (less than half-inch) fruit.

If you’re serious about apple-growing, you’ll likely want at least one crab on hand as pollination insurance, if nothing else.

Manchurian Facts

Its origins:

Unknown origins in eastern Asia.

Flavour, aroma, texture

The tiny fruit is highly acidic and tannic, producing an intense juice.

Appearance

The tree is bush-like; the fruit is very small and deep red.

When they’re available

Early-mid season (in our orchard: early September).

Quality for fresh eating

Too intense for most people.

Quality for cider

Very good. .

Quality for cooking

Very good.

Keeping ability

Limited (a few weeks when kept refrigerated).