Yes, You Can Eat Crabapples—But Read This First
Many people have their minds made up about what fruits should make it to the kitchen, but they may leave some great produce off their list. Apples, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, grapes, and more are all relatively common options to see on the kitchen counter or in the refrigerator; however, less common fruits like crabapples may be just as good. You may have heard that you can’t eat them, but yes, you can eat crabapples—just read this first.
Are Crabapples Toxic?
Many people question whether they can eat crabapples, and the answer is yes! Like any other apple, this fruit is perfectly safe for humans to consume. Even though it’s not one of the fruits you might pick up at the local grocery store, it’s more likely to come across crabapples in nature.
While the flesh of crabapples is safe and healthy to consume, the pit and seeds contain a compound that can turn to cyanide in your body—avoid eating these.
Some Precautions
While there’s nothing wrong with eating crabapples, you might feel apprehensive about trying something new. If you still feel unsure about this fruit, remove the core, seeds, stem, and leaves, then wash it thoroughly before consuming. This way, there’s no chance of consuming any toxic chemicals. Furthermore, be sure the fruit isn’t rotten or moldy, as this can cause illness.
Aside from health concerns, you should also know that not all crabapples taste good; some are extremely bitter or tart. If you try one crabapple and don’t love it, don’t be afraid to try again—the next one might be perfectly sweet and delicious.
Identifying Crabapple Trees
There are many fruit trees in existence; as a result, it may be challenging to identify a crabapple tree. Consider these characteristics to ensure you’re picking fruit from the right tree.
- Oval, light or dark green leaves
- Leaves and fruits in clusters
- Up to 30 feet in height
- Crabapples are around 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter
Now that you know you can eat crabapples, you might consider planting flowering crabapples on your property. Even though regular apples might be more desirable to some, you can enjoy crabapples in many different manners.
