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.
The identification paintings in the USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection span the years 1886 to 1942.
Citation: U.S. Department of Agriculture Pomological Watercolor Collection. Rare and Special Collections, National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, MD 20705.
The following tree nurseries offer Roberts Crab crab-apple trees for sale:
No orchards have registered as growing this variety. If you grow this and want to register please go to our Orchard Registration form.
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