Roberts Crab

Roberts Crab is an unusual crab-apple.  The fruits are very large (the size of small apples) and have a dark purple skin.  The flesh is a deep red color.

The flavor for eating fresh is very poor, but it is thought this variety was originally grown for cider - the juice is a claret-red color. It is also useful in the kitchen as the red-flesh adds color to jams and jellies.

Like most red-fleshed crab-apples it contains anthocyanin compounds which are thought to have anti-oxidant properties.

This variety was discovered in the UK, where it is marketed as Dr Campbell, named after a plant scientist who worked at the Long Ashton Research Station.