Centennial Crabapple
Flavor Profile
- Naturally sweet-crisp flesh with a luscious, candy-like bite
- Exotic tropical notes reminiscent of mango, pineapple, tangerine, lemon, peach, and a hint of vanilla
- Equally delightful for fresh snacking, jam-making, or light sauces
Appearance
- Small, oval-shaped fruit approximately 2 inches tall and slightly less wide
- Bright orange-red to rosy-red blush over a golden ground
- Firm, creamy-white flesh that snaps cleanly when bitten
Harvest & Storage
- Ripens in mid to late August, among the earliest crabapples of the season
- Poor long-term storage; best consumed fresh or processed into preserves within a week of harvest
Tree Characteristics
- Exceptionally cold-hardy (USDA Zone 3) and vigorous producer
- Attracts pollinators with its fragrant spring bloom and abundant fruit set
Disease Resistance & Care
- Strong resistance to fire blight, rust, and mildew
- Minimal care beyond annual pruning for shape and air circulation
Pollination
- As with most crabapples, requires cross-pollination; planting near other flowering crabapples or apples ensures reliable fruit set
Origin & Heritage
- Developed by the University of Minnesota breeding program as part of its mid-20th-century ornamental and fruit trials
- A cross of Dolgo crab × Wealthy, introduced in 1957 to commemorate Minnesota’s centennial statehood
- Quickly gained favor for its ornamental blossoms, pollinator value, and unusually sweet crabapple fruit
