Rescue Applecrab

Overview

Rescue is one of those absurdly hardy applecrabs that has earned its place in orchards across Alaska and Canada for a reason—it’s cold hardy down to -60°F and reliably produces even in the toughest conditions.

Technically a cross between an apple and a crabapple, Rescue brings together hardiness, flavor, and early ripening, making it a perfect fit for northern growers.

Flavor & Harvest Notes

We first tried it in August of 2022. Here were Luke’s taste notes from 8/25/22, when Rescue was ripe in Kalispell, MT (Rescue was fully ripe in Missoula on 8/25/25):

“Sweet, rich, and distinct. Juicy and moderate acid but nice and mellow. Richly flavored but smooth.”

Early season harvest – great for northern climates with short growing seasons

Best eaten fresh — does not store well and turns mealy quickly if left on the tree too long

Pick slightly early for peak texture and flavor

Can go mealy somewhat soon. Not a good keeper at all.

Cold Hardiness

• Hardy to -60°F

• Thrives in even the coldest parts of Montana, Alaska, Canada, and other extreme northern regions

• Grafted onto Dolgo rootstock, which is also hardy to -50°F or more, making this one of the best fruiting plants to grow, even for zone 1 growers