ForestHarvest: non-timber forest products in Scotland

 PRODUCTS

Crabapple (Malus sylvestris)

Family: Rosaceae

Description

Small tree bearing white blossom and small apples.

Habitat

Very occasional in broadleaved woodlands. Also in hedgerows.

Uses

The fruits are too tart to be eaten on their own, but they can be cooked into puddings. Crab apples are often added to jellies such as rowan and bramble as a source of pectin (to help setting), but also make an excellent jelly on their own.

Gathering

Gather crab apples in the autumn (usually around October).

Image provided by William Milliken/RBGE

Link

Recipe: pan fried pheasant with crab apple jelly sauce