Chestnut Crab

[sandbur]

Have probably 5 chestnut crabs planted between home and the land. The best one by far is the one in the front yard and it has a whopping 1 apple on it. I’d very much like to get a good representation of what they taste like from that one apple, when should I pluck it?

I have a long drop/ ripening on chestnut crab and actually prefer the later dropping/ ripening apples. If it is holding tight, don’t rush it.

 

[Mortenson]

We pulled some chestnut crabs off the tree a few days ago. A little tart but the kids still really liked them. Can't imagine them needing much more time.

 

[homerj]

Huge difference in ripening times of Chestnut crab and other UM bred varieties. No way Chestnut would be a draw for most deer hunters south of central IL

 

[bwoods11]

I have one growing by an old farm site on 40 acres. It gets a little more attention since it’s easy to get to … really nice tree!

 

[sandbur]

Huge difference in ripening times of Chestnut crab and other UM bred varieties. No way Chestnut would be a draw for most deer hunters south of central IL

I also wonder how lack of chill hours will change flavor. It makes a big difference with Honeycrisp.

 

[Smokegobbler]

Picked a few apples from the Chestnut Crab seedling mentioned earlier. Has a similar crunch as Chestnut, a little sweeter (not as much acidity) and fairly juicy. A good eater. Chestnut is in the center for comparison.

 

[Turkey Creek]

Trailman has pretty much lost all its apples at this point. Chestnut has probably dropped 75%. Hewes is still absolutely loaded and only a few drops. Kerr is still holding most of them. Lil'Benny while not a true crabapple by definition is ripe and holding well, maybe a 2 1/2" apple. Lil' Benny has made my top 10 deer list at this point for those warm enough to live where it will survive. I can't speak to how far north it can grow.