Crab apples are popular as compact ornamental trees, providing blossom in spring and colourful fruit in autumn. The flowers may be white, pink or red. The fruits often persist throughout winter providing food for the birds. Crab apples are an excellent source of pectin, and their juice can be made into a ruby-coloured preserve with a full, spicy flavour. Crabapples are often used in jams and jellies.
