Did you know that a crab apple could actually be sweet? You need try this Minnesota-developed variety that combines a sweet, nutty flavor in a small package.
Not All Crab Apples Are “Crab Apples”
What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say "crab apple"? Do you think of some tree growing in your yard, your neighbor's yard, or your favorite park? Do you have childhood memories that throwing a crab apple at someone was much more fun than actually eating one?
As we grow older our palates become more sophisticated - hopefully, at least mine did. Maybe you have grown to show some appreciate for crab apples. Apple jelly anyone? Just grabbing one and eating them out of hand? Probably not. Are crab apples just not worthy of eating out of hand? Or have you just not found the right crab apple? Let me introduce to you the Chestnut Crab - the apples I am munching on as I write this post.
Jump to:
🌳 Where Did It Come From?
I have more surprises up my sleeve - the Chestnut Crab was developed by the same people whot brought the world the Honeycrisp - the University of Minnesota. It was developed back in 1946. You can buy your very own tree from the famous Stark Bros Nursery.
⭐ My Review
What do I think of the apple?
Wow, wow, wow, and wow some more. I love this apple. In my opinion - Best Crab apple EVER. Snack-size and small, yet so flavorful. It packs the right amount of sweetness in perfect melody with its tart side. The flavor is rich and slightly nutty.
My favorite part is the skin. I think apples that have brown or russeting on them make for the best skin. If I wasn't having so much fun eating them, I know they would make an excellent apple jelly or butter.
I made the mistake once of only tasting the Chestnut Crab at Whole Foods and not buying a bag. The moment I see them every year, I make sure to get myself a full bag of them.
Here are my scores for this apple. Our rating scale below goes from 1 to 10.
| Crispiness | 8 |
| Tartness | 6 |
| Flavor | 8 |
| Sweetness | 7 |
| Juiciness | 7 |
🛒 Where to Buy
They are a hard to find variety for lots of area of the country. Your best bet is stores that carry more unique and heirloom apples as well as visiting a farmers' market. I used to get them at Whole Foods Market in Michigan however the orchard that supplied them was sold and closed down. I have found them at farmers' markets in the Midwest and up in Maine.
Here is a list of orchards I could find that grow the apple. Most of them are in Minnesota.
- McDougal Orchards - Springvale, ME
- Scott Farm Orchard - Dummerston, VT
- Brand Farms - Farmington, MN
- Nystrom Orchard - Worthington, MN
- Papa Dan's Orchard - Ely, MN
- Castle Rock Orchards - Farmington, MN
- Fireside Orchards - Northfield, MN
- Sunnybrook Apple Orchard - Grant, MN
- Pine Tree Apple Orchard - White Bear Lake, MN
- Aamodt's Apple Farm - Stillwater, MN
- Whistling Well Farm - Hastings, MN
- Fishkill Farms - Hopewell Junction, NY
🍎 Join Our Apple Club
Want to find out when the best apples at in stores? Join our email list.
🍏 More Apples to Try
Here are some other apples varieties you'll want to see out.
Have you tried this apple? What did you think? Leave a comment below telling us. Be a helper and share where you found it. You may make someone's day with your insider info on where to get them! If you are a true apple lover, you'll want to check out all of our apple reviews.
Rebecca Sullivan
I planted on in 2012, because there are other different crab trees in the neighborhood. This will be my first year with fruit... they aren't quite ripe yet. can't wait, cuz I love them!!! btw it is in the front yard... but in case others should cut down their trees, I've planted 2 more apples in the back, a second chestnut, plus another, just so that I guarantee pollination! I want my own!!!
Jean L. Previte
I original plant mine to use for blending for cider but they ripen a little too early for the cider we make here in NE Ohio. but they are good for eating out of hand and not bad for pies. This year I will probably dry some also since it is a pretty heavy crop.
Eric Samuelson
So jealous you have your own tree!!! One of my favorite apples. I would love to hear how they turn out dried.