We did a little research and found that the pretty–but messy–trees in the front yard are actually crab apples.
All we knew was that they have gorgeous pink blossoms in the spring and ten billion berry-type things in the fall.
Usually, we just avoid going near them at this time of year because if you happen to walk under the branches in a slight breeze—half a dozen of the Barbie apples will nail you in the head. And just walking across the lawn isn’t too pleasant either because stepping on the old ones is squishy business.
So, we did a bit more study and found that there are about 36 varieties of crab apples and the ones in our yard–we learned–were packed with natural pectin and would make wonderful jelly. So we shook them down—on purpose this time, and raked them into one big pile.
Next, The Bald Kid took the leaf blower and separated the tiny apples from the leaves and grass. It worked like a charm and was easier on the fruit than raking because these little things bruise and discolor very quickly.
We separated the good from the not so good and took them in the house to wash.
Next, we steamed them in the juicer….
…a beautiful and great tasting jelly, that goes perfectly with… peanut butter!
What is the most interesting jelly you’ve ever tasted?
Love the ellipses after your “The End…” It’s never really the end, but it does look good! And not just the JIF, but the jelly/post too 🙂
Yes, then the editor took them off. So, Jillian, in England did you taste black current jelly?
I think we tried almost every type of jelly there was over there. Brad made sure to collect them all as if they were Pokemon cards or something.
Awesome! I have heard that you can make jam out of crab apples, but that it is a lot of work. Well, any jam is a lot of work. Our neighbor makes Cherry jelly, from Cherries that she gets from cherry farms down in somewhere like Spanish Fork, Nephi? and then gives them to all the neighbors for Christmas. Just one small jar, but we are always thrilled and it is SO delicious. There is an idea for all you jam makers out there. But when I make apple sauce, it is so much work and so much love is put into it that when my son asked what I would sell it for, I told him that it is such a labor of love that I do not want to sell it and if I even considered it I would have to charge like $30 a jar.
Good job guys! 🙂