The trees are laden with tart Crab Apple this year. Truly wild Crab Apples always have a more intense flavour than any other apple. They can be too tart for some to eat raw but the appleness really intensifies when cooked. They will certainly leave you wanting more.
They are perfect for small hands to pick as there are no brambles or nasties to get in the way.
Look along the hedgerow for small apples that are green, red or orange and yellow in colour. Some of the smaller crab apples can be mistaken for rosehip or similar. To make sure it is an apple just cut one in half and you will soon see!
Crab Apples have an exceptionally high pectin and acid content which makes them ideal for setting fruit jams and jellies. However my favourite is Duncan's Crab Apple Chilli Chutney - perfect with all sorts of cheeses or Pork. It is a great way to pimp up a grilled cheese toastie on a cold autumn day.
As with any preserving patience pays off. Leave it until October and it will have matured to a lovely deep flavour. The more you preserve the easier it is to be able to wait as you have an abundance in your kitchen. That is what we love about the Foodie Revolution - it makes you preserve one thing a week. Cathy Rogers says "it has changed our life" and Caroline "says you have got me hooked on foraging and I love it" Send us a message if you would like to find out more about our almost secret membership The Foodie Revoultion.
Crab Apple Cocktails and Halloween Crab Apple Toffee Sticks
Keep 12 of your Crab Apples whole in the Freezer - ready to make Halloween Crab Apples in October. I always find an Apple too big but these are perfect in size and give you that sweet and sour taste sensation.
We also suggest making Crab Apple Syrup as this allows you to replace citrus in cocktails. Making your cocktails full of seasonal goodness and you don't need to pay for lemons and limes. Can you imagine all the cocktails you could make from that. This works best choosing Crab Apples that aren't quite ripe.
Win a months free membership in the Foodie Revolution
Don't forget to share your Hedgerow picking pictures in the Food Hive and inspire others!
You also have a chance to win a month's membership to the Foodie Revolution by finding the biggest Blackberry or sharing recipes with us - how cool is that. Just tag us at @bangersandballs on Facebook or Instagram to enter. Competition closes this Sunday. The winner will be announced LIVE On Sunday Brunch Club at 10.30 on our Bangers and Balls Facebook page.
