What characteristic indicates a crabapple is ripe and suitable for consumption or preservation?

Answer

Having brown seeds when cut open

Determining the readiness of a crabapple for safe consumption or successful processing, such as making jam or jelly, relies on internal inspection rather than just external appearance or taste. A crucial marker for ripeness is the color of the seeds found inside the fruit when it is cut open. A truly ripe specimen will exhibit brown seeds; conversely, seeds that are still white or green suggest the fruit has not fully matured. Additionally, the texture should ideally feel slightly spongy, indicating the fruit has reached its peak state.

What characteristic indicates a crabapple is ripe and suitable for consumption or preservation?
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