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Smooth crab apple jelly spread on warm bread, perfect for a homemade treat.

Crab Apple: Health Benefits and 2 Delicious Recipes to Try


  • Author: Louisa
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 5-6 cups 1x

Description

Crab Apple Jelly

Crab apple jelly is a sweet and tangy spread that’s perfect for toast, biscuits, or as a glaze for meats. This simple recipe transforms tart crab apples into a beautifully clear jelly that captures the essence of fall.

Spiced Crab Apple Chutney

Spiced crab apple chutney is a flavorful condiment with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and warm spices. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, cheeses, and bread, adding a touch of spice to your meals.


Ingredients

Scale

Crab Apple Jelly

  • 4 lbs (1.8 kg) crab apples, washed and quartered
  • 5 cups water
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • Granulated sugar (1 cup per cup of juice obtained)

Spiced Crab Apple Chutney

  • 3 lbs (1.3 kg) crab apples, cored and chopped
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

Crab Apple Jelly

  1. Place the quartered crab apples and water in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes until the apples are soft.
  2. Strain the cooked apples through a jelly bag or cheesecloth, letting the juice drip into a bowl. Avoid squeezing to keep the jelly clear.
  3. Measure the juice. For every cup of juice, add 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice.
  4. Return the juice mixture to a pot. Bring it to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook until it reaches 220°F (104°C) or passes the sheeting test.
  5. Pour the jelly into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Seal and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Spiced Crab Apple Chutney

  1. In a large pot, combine the crab apples, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir to coat the apples.
  2. Mix in the onion, raisins, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and cayenne pepper.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  4. Spoon the chutney into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Seal and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Notes

Crab Apple Jelly

  • Test for doneness using the spoon sheeting method or the cold plate test.
  • Add a cinnamon stick or star anise while cooking for a warm spice undertone.

Spiced Crab Apple Chutney

  • Adjust the spices to taste—add more cayenne for heat or extra cinnamon for sweetness.
  • The chutney develops more flavor after sitting for a few days, so allow it to mature before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Spreads and Jams
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
  • Calories: 50 kcal
  • Sugar: 13g
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Fat: 0mg
  • Saturated Fat: 0mg
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0mg
  • Trans Fat: 0mg
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Fiber: 0mg
  • Protein: 0mg
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Crab apple jelly, homemade jelly, easy jelly recipe, fruit spread, crab apple preserves Spiced crab apple chutney, apple chutney recipe, homemade chutney, sweet and savory condiment