What distinct flavor profile characterizes crab apples when consumed raw?
Answer
Distinctly tart and sometimes sour
When eaten fresh, crab apples present a very sharp sensory experience due to their inherent chemical makeup. The text explicitly states that raw consumption yields a distinctly tart and sometimes sour experience. This intense flavor profile is directly linked to their high acidity and astringency, which generally discourages eating them fresh compared to dessert apples. While they soften somewhat after a light frost, the fundamental characteristics remain sharp unless they are cooked or processed.
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