Maypole (crab-apple)

Why you should be excited

Maypole is a crab-apple that’s notable for its beautiful blossoms, tidy shape and good quality red-fleshed fruit.

The story of Maypole

Crab-apples have traditionally tended to be valued for three main things: their ornamental appearance, their useful pollen and their jelly-friendly fruit.

With the rising popularity of craft cider, though, crabs are gaining additional prominence, especially those with excellent qualities such as Maypole.

Among the strengths of this one are the shape of the tree – naturally columnar, so well suited to high density planting – and the quality of its bright red juice, which is high in both acid and sugar. An appealing combination for the cidermaker.

While we plant our orchard for productivity rather than appearance, it sure doesn’t hurt that Maypole provides a spectacular display of purple-pink blossoms over a good length of time.

Maypole Facts

Its origins

Bred in Kent, England; 1984 introduction.

Flavour, aroma, texture

The red fleshed fruit is high in both acid and sugar.

Appearance

Large for a crab, this one is super-red inside and out.

When they’re available

Mid-season (usually in mid-September).

Quality for fresh eating

Good, if you like small fruit with fairly high acid.

Quality for cooking

Good in jelly.

Quality for cider

Good and red-tinged.

Keeping ability

So-so (a few weeks when kept refrigerated).