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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