Crab Apple Jelly

Crab apples (Malus) are among the most versatile, beautiful, and rewarding ornamental trees you can plant in any garden. Known for providing magnificent multi-season interest from vibrant spring blossoms to rich autumn foliage and persistent winter fruit. Beyond their ornamental charm, crab apples are prized for their culinary potential, most notably for creating delicious, crystal-clear Crab Apple Jelly.

How to Make Crab Apple Jelly

• What ingredients you will need:
• 3 to 4 sterlised jam jars
• Jelly Bag
• 450g crab apples
• 450 sugar
• 570ml water

• Method:
• 1. For every 450g of washed, ripe, unsliced fruit add 570ml of water
• 2. Simmer until the fruit has cooked to a pulp.
• 3. Strain through a jelly bag. Do not squeeze if you want very clear jelly, but if in a hurry squeeze the bag for quicker extraction.
• 4. Add 450g of sugar for each 570ml juice.
• 5. Bring to the boil and continue for approx. 5 minutes.
• 6. Bottle and Store

Serving Suggestions

With Meats: Perfectly paired with roast lamb, pork, or game meats.

On Toast: Spread thinly over warm buttered toast or freshly baked scones.

Other pairings: Serve with cheese, cold meats, add to a sandwich or Casserole

Malus Jelly King

This is one of our favourite varieties for making Crab Apple Jelly. Malus ‘Jelly King’

Malus ‘Jelly King’ earns its name from the large, flavourful fruits perfect for jelly-making. Its abundant white blossoms and attractive, ornamental fruit serve dual purposes, offering both culinary and aesthetic benefits to the garden.

Advice on Malus Crab Apple Varieties

Crab Apple trees are the most diverse garden trees. Like other apples, they fall under the genus Malus. There are many beautiful varieties, producing a dazzling range of blossoms, fruit, foliage, and habits. Crab Apple flowers mostly appear in April and May in abundance, often covering the whole tree. Some are pure white, others are very deep red or purple. They can be single-petalled open flowers or more dense double flowers. Crab Apple blossom is fantastic for insects and great for pollinating apple trees.

Are you planning to plant a new crab apple tree in your garden this season, or are you looking for tips on a specific variety? See links below:

Advice Article on the Best Crab Apple Varieties for your garden

Frank P Matthews Collection of Crab Apple Trees available to buy online.