Finding these beautiful Dolgo crabapples has been a highlight of my autumn preserving ritual. When making jelly, you won’t find a more beautiful, red, jewel-like result.
Earlier in the summer, I kind of “stumbled” upon the trees in a Superstore parking lot! At the time I didn’t know what they were, but every time I filled up with fuel, my eyes were drawn to the “berries” that were forming on them.
I assumed the trees must be some kind of ornamental variety … why would there be crabapple trees in a parking lot?
Yesterday, I was simply driving by and I couldn’t believe how loaded the trees were. I actually made a u-turn, headed back, and stopped to pick one of the fruits. I could smell the most wonderful “apple” scent and I knew right away. These were the real deal. Whoa … how could I walk away … well, obviously I couldn’t.
I went back to my car, grabbed bag, walked up to the trees, and started picking. I didn’t look at anyone, in fact I kind of tried to hide behind the branches. It was one of those moments where, as a child you think “if I can’t see you, you can’t see me.”
At first I thought I’d just pick a few … enough to take some photos … but who was I kidding? I could not stop until I knew I had enough for one batch of jelly, at least.
I rushed home and started cooking them right away. Oh the house smelled divine, absolutely divine. And the jelly is red, shimmery, tart and tasty. Oh yumm …
So guess what I did? I went back and picked some more. Now that is chutzpah! but wait until you see the jelly …
Go here if you want to check out a good article on the Dolgo crabapple.
These images are also for the Be Still 52 class where the prompt is “Organic”. I love this prompt … so full of possibilities (especially at this time of year) and I do have another “Organic” theme on the way …
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oh my goodness Barb… these shots are amazing. I can’t pick a favourite…. the spilling out, the top down… each one so beautiful!!
happy weekend dear friend….
xo lovely.
Just made me giggle thinking of your picking and hiding. Just the greatest find Barb
Such beautiful bright berries! They are all wonderful and very organic. I love the dried leaves and the texture of the wood too. It sounds like you had fun picking your berries. :)
Oh Barb! What stunning images! So loving the reds, wood, texture…….the ORGANIC theme! I’ve had alot of fun with it myself.
I got excited, thinking that maybe I had those berries in my backyard but after checking out the article, alas, no such luck. We have red berries on a tree out back but noone seems to know for sure what they are. Maybe I should just take some to a landscape or greenhouse and see if they can tell me. The birds won’t eat them, so I’m thinking……..must not be too good, right?
LOVELY post!
Hi Barb,
what lovely and tasty looking photos!!…..thank you for stopping by my blog and commenting…so nice and supporting.
Greetings jeanette´s every day Moments ;)
Oh I’m smiling at your find, picking, and hoping not to be seen! These are just beautiful apples. Years ago I made the most delicious crabapple jelly, and these remind me of that time. It was so good the batch didn’t last nearly as long as it should have…I was also making homemade bread, so some of this jelly on homemade toast! Ah! Gorgeous photos Barb!!!
Oh I love this story- especially the part about you can’t see me if I can’t see you- I can just picture you! And the photos-wow!!! Photograph what you love- your love of putting up fruit really shows in this series. Just excellent!!!
Just had to look again at these photos- that second to last one, the looking down one- I just LOVE it!!! Terrific composition!
Wow, great red color! Superb photography. Just love your story of how you ‘made away’ with these lovelies. Happy Friday!
Great find and I would so be hiding behind the branches :)
at least you’re putting them to good use, and i’m sure there’s still plenty for the birds.
Way to sneak around! They are just gorgeous and I bet the jelly is awesome!
You were right to turn around and go back to these fruits! What a find!
Oh, the thought of you picking those crabapples and hiding behind the branches … :-)
Gorgeous photos, Barb, you’ve captured all so beautifully !
Have a nice week,
Sylvia
I had to smile at your escapade, what a bounty you found and I love that you went back ! Your photos are divine Barb, I can’t pick a favorite ! The organic theme is so wonderful :))
And here I thought you were such a shy violet. :) I’m glad you had the “chutzpah” to go back for more. The photos are delicious! I love your photography style.
I love both your story and your pictures Barb! that pinkish red, almost fuschia is so bright , so unusual! I’ve never seen this fruit in France but it seems so mouth-watering! your series of images are wonderful, all of them, I love the bottom onemore particularly with the crabapples piled in the rustic earthenware bowl. these photos are worth being the cover page of Country Living magazine!
I’m sure they make wonderful jelly BUT….they also makes beauuuuutiful photographs!
Stunning photos, Barb. They look so lush and ripe. I’m sure you made wonderful crab apple jelly with them. And that it both looked and tasted great. Well done for foraging and putting them to such good use! All the best, Bonny
Wow love the colours and arrangement and can imagine the tantalising smell coming from your kitchen.
This looks so delish. Nice. Visiting from Friday Finds.
They look beautiful. Your still lifes are Breath Taking…Really. Im out of the loop and going for somthing organic in the next few days.
Just Beautiful.
Oh, this is too funny. Your shots are to die for! I’ve only made crabapple jelly once and you could hardly get it out of the jar.
Love it! Reminds me of the time that we were in the cemetery picking hydrangeas to dry for the wedding. My mother was horrified ~ it was hilarious. There were so many bushes and they were all loaded. I would pick the apples with you or hold the bag for you!
Hi Lori,
Now that IS hilarious ;) I can relate … lol!!
PS
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