Malus Sylvestris
Crab apple trees are probably one of the most multifunctional plants in a forest garden, with a seemingly endless list of beneficial uses. They are often one of the first trees to flower with stunningly pretty blossom, and are one of the longest flowering trees, flowering much longer than cultivated apples. It is the extended flowering period that makes them highly valued in orchards and forest gardens as one crab apple can act as a pollinating partner for a large number and variety of apple trees.
Crab apple fruit come in a range of shapes, sizes and colours. The fruit is much smaller than cultivated apples but are produced in larger quantities, making for a stunning visual display in autumn.
Crab apples are the ultimate “plants with a purpose” as they have so many functional uses. The pinkish wood has an even texture and makes good quality timber, lending itself particularly well to carving and turning. It also makes a sweetly scented firewood. A yellow dye can be extracted from the crab apple bark to colour wool.
Earth Care
The crab apple provides a host of ecosystem services too and are hugely important for wildlife. They are one of the few host trees to the parasitic mistletoe, Viscum album – handy for Christmas time if you’re loved ones need some extra motivation for a smooch!
The tree bark is often covered in lichens and the leaves are food for the caterpillars of many moths, including the eyed hawk-moth, green pug, Chinese character and pale tussock. As well as being beautiful, the flowers provide an important source of early pollen and nectar for insects, particularly bees. The fruit provides food for a plethora of wildlife including birds, mice, voles, foxes and badgers.
Culinary uses
The crab apple fruit can be roasted and served with meat or added to ales or punches. It is more commonly used to make a delicious, easy to make crab apple jelly and as a natural source of pectin for setting jams. You can click here to find a recipe for making crab apple jelly.
Health benefits
Crab apples are an excellent source of vitamin C which plays a key role in immune system function, collagen production, iron absorption, and more. In addition to vitamin C, crab apples contain various other antioxidants and polyphenols that help counteract oxidative stress and lower inflammation which is the root cause of many chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, arthritis and autoimmune disorders.
The pectin in crab apples isn’t just good for setting jam but it is a source of soluble fibre and acts as a prebiotic in the gut, feeding the healthy bacteria in your intestines. Pectin also slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, protecting against insulin resistance and potentially helping manage diabetes symptoms.
However my favourite use, which might not come as a surprise to those who’ve seen my pantry, is for making crab apple wine…..hic! Here’s a link if you fancy making some yourself.
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Lastly, did you know that Crab apples have long been associated with love and marriage. It was said that if you throw the pips into the fire while saying the name of your love, the love is true if the pips explode. If not, you can always use the mistletoe!
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