What is crabapple果 ( Crabapple )
In the autumn markets of the north, you can always see small mountains of crabapples that look like red agates. This fruit, which resembles a miniature apple, carries a unique flavor and regional culture. As a classic representative of the Rosaceae apple genus, crabapples not only have ornamental value but their sweet and sour taste also leaves a lasting impression on food lovers.
Botanical Characteristics of Crabapples
Key Identification Points
Mature crabapples have a diameter of about 2-3 centimeters, with a bright red color and fine star-like fruit spots on the surface. When cut open, the yellow-white flesh encases a five-chambered seed pod, with the core arranged in a heart shape. The distinct difference from apples is the short stem, which is only 0.5-1 centimeter long.
Growth Cycle Characteristics
In April, the trees are full of pink and white flowers, and by August, the fruits turn from green to red, reaching their peak sugar content in mid-September. In areas with a day-night temperature difference of more than 15°C, the skin coloration is more vibrant, and the organic acids in the flesh can be reduced to below 0.6%.
Geographical Distribution of Crabapples
Major Domestic Production Areas
Huailai County in Hebei produces over 50,000 tons of fresh fruit annually, forming a large-scale planting base. The Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau at an altitude of 1800 meters has developed late-maturing varieties in recent years, which can still be harvested in October. Wild populations are distributed in a strip in the Taihang Mountains, often found on sunny slopes.
Overseas Cultivation Status
In North America, crabapples are used as ornamental trees, and there is a special jam processing plant in Ontario, Canada. Aki Province in Japan has developed an improved variety with a diameter of 4 centimeters through grafting techniques, increasing the sweetness to 14 Brix.
Nutritional Value of Crabapples
Core Nutrients
Every 100 grams of fruit flesh contains 12 mg of vitamin C and 2.1 g of dietary fiber, with malic acid content 1.3 times that of ordinary apples. The skin is rich in anthocyanins, and after freeze-drying, the antioxidant value (ORAC) reaches 5800μmol TE/100g.
Traditional Therapeutic Applications
The "Yunnan Materia Medica" records its digestive and stomach-healthy effects, and modern research has found that pectin substances can regulate intestinal flora. In folk medicine, dried fruit slices are often paired with tangerine peel to relieve autumn dryness and cough.
Multiple Applications of Crabapples
What is crabapple
From Beijing-style candied fruit to French jam, from landscape gardening to ecological restoration, this ancient species, which combines both edible and ecological value, is reviving in modern life. Fresh fruit processed with -40°C rapid freezing can be enjoyed throughout the year (G-Y).