kensib

Kensib (Kentucky Mammoth Crab [M. ioensis x hybrid] x Dolgo) is small, bitter, Niels Hansen introduction with cider potential. The genetics are unusual, including both Malus ioensis and Malus baccata. “Ken” refers to the first parent and “sib” refers to Dolgo (Siberian crab). Niels Hanson also introduced Dolgo. Kensib was released by the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station in 1945.

The roundish, red fruit is a bit larger than 2” (5-6 cm) and ripens in late summer/early fall. The cream-colored, moderately juicy flesh is bitter and astringent. As a dessert apple it would be almost inedible. This is our type of apple. We obtained our scionwood from the USDA Geneva collection (PI 588984). Currently growing at Super Chilly Farm.