We have a lovely little crabapple tree in the yard, but alas, it is ornamental only and does not bear fruit. I've had crabapple jelly in the past, though, and it is quite tasty! That's a wonderful memory you have of picking apples with your Dad and making the jelly with your Mom! 💖 Thanks for includng the recipe; now to find a tree that has some fruit...
The odd thing with this tree (dad planted two when I was a tiny tot, only this one survives!) is that right down the middle, one side is full of leaves, and fruit, and the other is mostly barren, no leaves, no fruit.
Half the tree has lost its leaves for fall already.
I heard from a friend that it most likely was grafted at some point early on and one sex goes dormant earlier in fall than the other.
I've never heard of such! How strange! 😮