Roasted Crabapples

I wrote recently about using apples picked from my apple tree, in order to share the apples with the sneaky raccoons so they don’t steal them all. Now, it’s not that I don’t like being resourceful, it’s just that unfortunately these apples aren’t the greatest tasting apples. They’re somewhat dry and bland, and for that reason alone, I’ve donated them to the raccoons in previous years.

Now crabapples were something I was not familiar with at all until we moved to this property about 11 years ago. We have one crabapple tree, which is right next to the apple tree.

I know people make a lot of crabapple jelly, and when I was pondering what to do with a bunch of apples and crabapples that I’d picked off of the two trees, I really wanted to do something different from jelly.

app

So all I came up with was apple chutney, and apple-peach butter. Not that creative, but they were both great.

What I needed to do was actually taste the crabapples, because I never have before. Or perhaps if I did, I put it out of my memory.

Yuck. What sour little things. And not only that, but they have seeds.

The day I was forcing myself to figure something to do with these crabapples was also a day I was wishing for fall to come faster. I had a poussin to roast, along with some sweet potatoes. Bingo.

Into a large bowl, I placed cut up sweet potatoes, a few of those green apples, chopped, and some whole crabapples.

crab5

I tossed them all in some olive oil with some salt, pepper, and dried thyme.

Then I simply placed everything around the seasoned poussin and roasted away.

I had also steamed some Brussels sprouts (did I mention how much I love fall?) and put those on a plate with chicken and the roasted vegetable and fruit mix.

crab21

The verdict? Roasted crabapples are delicious. And, of course, they pair really well with sweet potatoes. Plus, you can’t really feel the seeds when the crabapples are roasted, which to me, is a plus.

It was 103 degrees outside but I didn’t care. This meal was fabulous. I’m going out to pick more crabapples!!!

By Published On: October 2nd, 201440 Comments on Roasted Crabapples

About the Author: Chef Mimi

As a self-taught home cook, with many years in the culinary profession, I am passionate about all things food-related. Especially eating!

40 Comments

  1. Abbe Odenwalder October 2, 2014 at 8:58 AM - Reply

    What a genius you are! This is fabulous. I’ve had so many crabapples and never knew what to do with them. My front lawn smells like it is fermenting. We have a different variety, so I will let you know!

  2. thesinglegourmetandtraveller October 2, 2014 at 9:11 AM - Reply

    It sounds and looks fabulous! What a great way to use crab apples.

    • chef mimi October 2, 2014 at 11:23 AM - Reply

      I think this is the only way I’ll ever use them!

      • thesinglegourmetandtraveller October 3, 2014 at 6:40 AM

        Crab apple jelly is a classic here. Though I’ve never made it.

      • chef mimi October 3, 2014 at 7:51 AM

        It must contain a ton of sugar!

  3. Butter, Basil and Breadcrumbs October 2, 2014 at 9:35 AM - Reply

    Haha! Who knew? I have never tasted, nor have I ever opened up a crabapple to know that it would have seeds like that! This looks so delicious, Mimi! I think my parents still have a crabapple tree in their yard…I might have to go and see what I can get from there. I’d like to try your recipe.. <3

  4. HostessAtHeart October 2, 2014 at 11:31 AM - Reply

    I grew up with a crab apple tree, and the only thing we did with them was to make our friends eat them raw as a part of truth and dare! You are much more creative finding a better way to eat them.

  5. sakinah30 October 2, 2014 at 11:34 AM - Reply

    Reblogged this on Cappuccino.

  6. Amanda October 2, 2014 at 12:14 PM - Reply

    OMG this is beautiful. I grew up with crab apples and didnt even know they were edible (my city folk parents had no idea). Great recipe!!

    • chef mimi October 3, 2014 at 7:54 AM - Reply

      Hahaha! Well, they’re barely edible!

  7. sakinah30 October 2, 2014 at 1:25 PM - Reply

    Reblogged this on Cappuccino.

  8. Francesca October 2, 2014 at 2:39 PM - Reply

    I don’t think I have ever tried crabapples. They sound great! What a fantastic looking dish, Mimi! It screams fall loud and clear.

    • chef mimi October 3, 2014 at 7:53 AM - Reply

      And fall is my favorite food season! Thank you!

  9. anotherfoodieblogger October 2, 2014 at 9:14 PM - Reply

    It’s great you found a good use for those crabapples! Waste not, want not, as “they” say. (and who are “they” anyway?) :)

  10. Frugal Hausfrau October 3, 2014 at 12:54 AM - Reply

    This looks just fabulous! What a great idea.

  11. chefceaser October 3, 2014 at 5:05 AM - Reply

    Reblogged this on Chef Ceaser.

  12. ladyredspecs October 3, 2014 at 6:01 AM - Reply

    The only way I have ever eaten crab apples was roasted and served with pork. They were delicious so I can imagine how good they tasted with sweet potato

  13. dedy oktavianus pardede October 5, 2014 at 9:06 AM - Reply

    Damn delicious dish!!!!
    finger licking good…….

  14. Choc Chip Uru October 5, 2014 at 5:34 PM - Reply

    I have never tried crabapple before – It looks lovely in your dish! Roasting really brings out the flavour Im sure!

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

    • chef mimi October 6, 2014 at 2:08 PM - Reply

      Definitely. Roasted shoe soles would probably be good! Roasting is fabulous!!!!

      • Choc Chip Uru October 6, 2014 at 4:10 PM

        HAHAHAHA oh my gosh roasted shoe soles :P
        But the funniest part is you’re probably right!

  15. spicegirlfla October 6, 2014 at 7:43 AM - Reply

    Lol! The high temps in Florida never stop me from turning on my oven! I had thought you couldn’t eat crab apples as they would give you a horrible stomach ache! Maybe that is due to too much raw apples! This sounds so wonderful, definitely a fall feast!

    • chef mimi October 6, 2014 at 2:08 PM - Reply

      I really have never known much about crabappes… But they did add to our fall feast!

  16. foxress October 6, 2014 at 3:44 PM - Reply

    This dish looks like Autumn. What a great use of crab apples!

    • chef mimi October 7, 2014 at 8:00 AM - Reply

      Thanks! And it’s STILL in the 80’s here. I must be patient.

      • chef mimi October 8, 2014 at 8:55 AM

        It ain’t rocket science!

  17. Mary Frances October 7, 2014 at 4:45 PM - Reply

    There was a crabapple tree near my house growing up and it would drive me crazy because not only would all the fruit fall on the sidewalk and turn into a big mushy mess, but the squirrels would knock them down on my head as I was passing underneath.

    That said, this looks like a lovely dish. I might just have to put my memories aside to admire it for a moment. Pairing the crabapples with sweet potato is a great idea!

    • chef mimi October 13, 2014 at 5:21 PM - Reply

      Thanks so much! It turned out really well.

  18. tableofcolors October 8, 2014 at 10:23 AM - Reply

    What a wonderful way to use your crabapples. I am not such a great fan of jelly and also like to have other options as well. Thank you for the inspiration!

  19. chef mimi October 13, 2014 at 5:21 PM - Reply

    You are so welcome!

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