This unassuming little crab-like apple completely caught me off guard. I had been having a run of bad luck with sourcing trees and flavor so when I saw this one standing bashfully back from the side of the road I almost passed it by. I'm glad I didn't though, as it ended up being intensely delicious and unique! Its flavor is strongly reminiscent of a cherry dessert wine, and its tiny stature reminds me of the little french crab apples used in desserts and pickling. In fact, I'm going to go out and pick some more today to try them out in a pickled apple recipe that I found recently! Yum!
Tree Type: Dessert/Baking
Harvesting Date: Late September
Tree Type: Dessert/Baking
Harvesting Date: Late September
Location: Salem Twp, MI (F)
Approximate Tree Age: ~50 years
Tree Status: Chance seedling, possible antique orchard tree
Possible Tree Varieties: Definitely a Crab cross. I am going to try to talk to the owner about the history of the property a bit since the tree is suspiciously shaped like an old orchard tree, despite its close proximity to the road.
Fruit size: Small, 1-2"
Shape: Oblate- round
Fruit color: Glassy pale yellow with varying pink blush and streaks.
Skin: Porcelain thin
Flesh: White with red streaking
Additional notes on appearance: These apples just make you want to go "Awwwww..." They're petite and unassuming, despite the amazing flavor they pack!
Taste: Intensely sweet with strong vinous flavor and overtones of candied cherries.
Scent: Spring florals
Texture: Easy to eat, with a good crunch. Much better texture than a typical crab-type. Dense and pleasant tooth.
Additional notes on taste: This has been one of my favorites this year. It is almost like eating an entirely different fruit, having very little "apple" taste at all. Its small size makes it perfect to enjoy a snack without its intense sweetness becoming cloying or overwhelming.
Disease/Pest notes: Apart from crowding and dead branches, this tree is in pretty good shape. The fruit had the smallest patches of sooty apple spot, and showed very little disease or infestation. The only thing about these guys is that they're incredibly fragile, but absolutely worth the care necessary to collect them soundly.
