How to Harvest "Harvest Gold" Crabapples
Smaller and more tart than a regular apple--due to the concentration of flavor--a crabapple is typically not used as an ingredient in recipes. This is due to their intense flavor, unappealing outer skin and the number of crabapples that it takes to make a dish. However, "Harvest Gold" crabapples are generally slightly larger than some of their counterparts and more appealing to the eye. Harvest "Harvest Gold" crabapples during the late fall when the flower blooms begin to fall from the trees. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Watch for when the blossoms on the "Harvest Gold" crabapple tree begin to fall off, usually in the fall--this is the first sign that the crabapples are beginning to ripen.
-
2
Note when the harvest gold crabapples' skin turns completely golden yellow and loses any residual green or red coloring.
-
-
3
Check to see if any "Harvest Gold" crabapples have begun to fall off, as this is a sign that most of the fruit is ready to harvest. Check the flesh of the crabapples for firmness; the skin should give just a little when pushed gently if the fruit is ripe.
-
4
Place a tarp beneath the tree and shake the trunk vigorously, which will release any "Harvest Gold" crabapples that are ready for gathering. Leave the remaining crabapples to harvest in another day or so or knock them from the tree using your hands or a long stick. Gather up all crabapples from the tarp.
-
1
