I have some tiny (cherry size) apples, often known as crabapples: What is the best way to peel and core them?

If I want to peel and core a whole bunch of the little buggers to make apple pie, what would be the best, easiest, quickest way to do it? They are tiny, so the "normal" methods and tools for peeling and coring "standard"-sized apples wouldn't work. Any experience, ideas, suggestions?

2008-09-13T09:09:20Z

It is a ridiculous notion (and an "old wives tale") that crabapples are poisonous or will make you sick. Eating a lot of unripe fruit or fruit that has been lying on the ground certainly can cause problems. In general, all apples are poisonous to some extent, or at least will make you feel sick if eaten in sufficient quantities. (I know this from MY experience when I tried out a "cleansing" diet consisting primarily of only consuming apple juice at regular intervals for several days.) I know that if I eat an apple for breakfast, I will feel lousy for several hours! But there are recipes for crabapple jelly, crabapple pie, and even cider that includes crabapples.

Check this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malus

Still campaigning in 57 States2008-09-12T22:27:45Z

Favorite Answer

You shouldn't eat crab apples.

02

spokesinger2015-09-26T19:22:32Z

Oy, such an ancient question - but not one of the answers before are any good at all. Not one.

So, first: crabapples are quite edible. They are usually very tart and sour in taste. That does not make them inedible. Think Sweet-Tarts (trademark, I am sure). Too many green apples will often cause gastric upset - but that is hard to do with crabapples, given that they are so small.

Because they are small, peeling and coring is obviously very labor intensive. Some people say you can cook them and use a food mill or strain the results before using in other recipes. See http://www.homefamily.net/enjoy-crabapples-all-year-long/ for some ideas. And more ideas here: http://dinnerwithjulie.com/2010/09/08/slow-roasted-crabapples-pickled-chutney/

Now, personally, I want to use mine to make a spicy chutney. Or something. I hate to see them go to waste! But, as I said, peeling and coring is tremendously labor-intensive - truly awful. So I am going to try cooking them and using a food mill to separate out the biggest solids. Like seeds.

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lla l2008-09-12T22:37:52Z

Instead of making an apple pie with them, why don't you try to make jelly? My xmil would boil the apples and drain them. Then use the liquid to create a clear jelly. The recipe for jelly is any where and would be easy to find. That way you don't waste the crabapple and this would be easier to do than try to peel and core those little babies!
Everybody loved Grandma Moose's Crabapple jelly! YUMM!!
We sure miss grandma.

10

txgraham2008-09-12T22:30:12Z

Crab apples are not for pies. If they are "jelly" crabs, you can make jelly. Buy some pectin and follow the directions that come with it..

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cattieloves2008-09-12T22:27:55Z

We had a crabapple tree in my front yard when I was a little kid, so I can tell you from experience...DON'T eat them. Unless this pie is for someone you really don't like, I don't suggest preparing them for eating.

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