I Tried Apple Murabba for the First Time: My Honest Review of This Comforting Fruit Preserve

You know that feeling when you eat something and it instantly reminds you of home?

Not your actual home, maybe, but the idea of home. Warm, comforting, safe. The kind of food that makes you close your eyes for a second and just... breathe.

That's what apple murabba felt like when I first tried it.

I have been on this murabba journey for a while now. The tangy amla, the unique bamboo, the exciting mix murabba with all those different fruits. But last week, I finally tried something I had been curious about for a long time – apple murabba.

And honestly? It might be the most comforting thing I have eaten all year.

Here is my completely honest experience trying apple murabba, how it tastes, and why I think it's perfect for beginners.

What Is Apple Murabba? (Simple Explanation)

Apple murabba is exactly what it sounds like – fresh apples cooked slowly in sugar syrup until they become soft, translucent, and sweet. The apples absorb all that sweetness while still keeping their shape and a little bit of their original flavor.

Some people call it apple preserve. Some call it "seb ka murabba" in Hindi. But whatever you call it, it's basically apples turned into something between candy and dessert.

The best part? It uses the apples you already know and love. No unfamiliar fruits, no surprises. Just apples, made sweeter and softer.

Why I Finally Decided to Try Apple Murabba

Honestly, I don't know why it took me so long.

I love apples. I eat apples almost every day. Green apples, red apples, any apples. But for some reason, I never thought about turning them into murabba.

Then last week, I was at a small organic store in my neighborhood, looking for their amla murabba (which I am obsessed with now, as you know). And right next to it, I saw a small jar labeled "Apple Murabba – Made with Kashmiri Apples."

The apples in the jar looked beautiful. Pale golden pieces, almost translucent, floating in clear syrup. They looked like little jewels.

I asked the shopkeeper, "Accha lagta hai?" (Does it taste good?)

He smiled and said, "Bachon ko toh bahut pasand aata hai. Meetha, soft, easy to eat." (Kids really like it. Sweet, soft, easy to eat.)

I don't have kids, but I am basically a kid when it comes to sweet things. I bought the jar.

My First Bite: The Comfort Food Moment

That evening, I made myself a cup of ginger tea, sat on my balcony, and opened the jar of apple murabba.

The first thing I noticed was the smell. It smelled like apples, obviously, but also something else – warm, slightly spiced, like someone had been baking something in the kitchen. The shopkeeper later told me they add a little cardamom and cinnamon to theirs. Smart choice.

I picked out a piece with a small fork. It was soft – much softer than a raw apple – but still held its shape. No mushiness.

First bite:

Okay, imagine the sweetest, softest baked apple you have ever eaten. Now imagine it soaked in sugar syrup. Now imagine eating it with hot tea on a slightly cold evening.

That's what this was.

The apple piece almost melted in my mouth. It was sweet – yes, definitely sweet – but not overpoweringly so. And right at the end, I could still taste the apple. That familiar, comforting apple flavor that everyone knows and loves.

I ate one piece. Then another. Then another. Before I knew it, I had eaten five pieces and my tea was cold.

No regrets.

How Apple Murabba Is Different from Other Murabbas

After trying so many different murabbas, I have started noticing how different each one is. Here is how apple murabba compares:

Vs Aam Ka Murabba (Mango):
Mango murabba is more intense. Mango has a stronger flavor, so the murabba tastes very clearly of mango. Apple murabba is milder, gentler. Where mango murabba is like a celebration, apple murabba is like a hug.

Vs Amla Murabba:
Amla murabba has that tangy kick at the end. That little "hey, I'm healthy" reminder. Apple murabba has none of that. It's just sweet and comforting from start to finish. No surprises, no challenges.

Vs Bamboo Murabba:
Bamboo murabba is unique – almost savory-sweet, with that interesting texture. Apple murabba is familiar. Everyone knows what apple tastes like. There's nothing to figure out or get used to.

Vs Mix Murabba:
Mix murabba is exciting because you never know what you're going to get. Apple murabba is predictable in the best way. Every piece tastes like apple. Every piece is comforting. Sometimes that's exactly what you want.

Why Apple Murabba Is Perfect for Beginners

If you are new to murabba and don't know where to start, let me make a recommendation:

Start with apple murabba.

Here is why:

1. You already know the fruit
Apple isn't strange or unfamiliar. You know what apple tastes like. So when you try apple murabba, you aren't adjusting to a new fruit – you're just experiencing a familiar fruit in a new way.

2. It's not too intense
Some murabbas have strong flavors. Amla can be tangy. Ginger murabba (yes, that exists) can be spicy. Apple murabba is just sweet and mild. Easy to like.

3. Kids love it
If you are introducing murabba to children, apple is the way to go. It's sweet, soft, and familiar. My neighbor's kid tried it and asked for more. He usually refuses to eat anything "healthy-looking."

4. It goes with everything
Apple murabba pairs well with so many things. Tea, paratha, yogurt, ice cream, even just by itself. You can't go wrong.

5. No acquired taste needed
Some foods you have to eat a few times before you like them. Apple murabba isn't like that. You will probably like it from the first bite.

How I Eat Apple Murabba (My Favorite Ways)

After finishing my first jar (okay, I finished it in four days), here is how I enjoyed it most:

1. With evening chai
This is the winner. Hot, strong tea with a piece of sweet, soft apple murabba? Perfect combination. The warmth of the tea, the sweetness of the apple – it's therapy in a cup.

2. On toast
I tried this on a lazy Sunday morning. Toasted bread, butter, and chopped apple murabba on top. Like jam, but better. The pieces of apple add texture that regular jam doesn't have.

3. With plain yogurt
You know I love this combination by now. Plain dahi, chopped apple murabba pieces, mix it up. Sweet and tangy and creamy. Great after a heavy meal.

4. On vanilla ice cream
Chopped apple murabba sprinkled over vanilla ice cream. The hot-cold thing again, plus the apple pieces add chewiness. Fancy dessert in two minutes.

5. Straight from the jar (no shame)
Sometimes you just need something sweet. Open jar, take one piece, close jar. Or three pieces. No judgment here.

What to Look for in Good Apple Murabba

After trying a few different brands (yes, I bought more), here is what I learned about choosing good apple murabba:

1. The apple pieces should be recognizable
Good apple murabba has pieces that still look like apple. If everything is mushed together and you can't tell what fruit it was, it's not good quality.

2. The color should be natural
Good apple murabba is pale golden or light brown. If it's too bright or has artificial coloring, skip it. The apples should look like apples, not candy.

3. The syrup should be clear
The syrup should be transparent, not cloudy. Cloudy syrup can mean the apples were overcooked or the quality isn't great.

4. The texture should be soft but not mushy
When you pick up a piece, it should hold its shape. When you bite into it, it should be soft. If it falls apart as soon as you touch it, it's overcooked.

5. You should taste the apple
The best apple murabba lets the apple flavor come through. If all you taste is sugar, it's not good apple murabba. There should be balance.

Where to Buy Apple Murabba

Apple murabba is easier to find than some of the more unusual varieties. Here is where to look:

Local sweet shops:
Many old-school halwai shops carry apple murabba, especially in North India. Ask the shopkeeper. If they have it, they will show you. If they don't, they might know where to find it.

Organic stores:
Organic and natural food stores often carry apple murabba, sometimes made with minimal processing and better ingredients. This is where I found my favorite one.

Supermarkets:
Big supermarkets sometimes stock murabba in the pickle/jam section. Look for brands like Patanjali, Mothers Recipe, or local brands. Check the label to see if it's pure apple murabba or a mix.

Online:
Amazon, Flipkart, and specialty food websites have multiple options. Search for "apple murabba" or "seb ka murabba" and read reviews before buying.

Price check:
Apple murabba is usually priced similarly to other murabbas – maybe slightly higher if made with premium apples. A 500g jar cost me around the same as amla murabba. Worth every rupee.

The Health Angle: Is Apple Murabba Good for You?

Okay, let's be real. Apple murabba has sugar. A lot of sugar. It's a preserve, so that's how it works.

But here is the thing – it also has apples. Real apples. And apples are genuinely good for you.

The good:

You are eating real fruit

Apples have fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants

If you eat it after meals, it can satisfy your sweet craving so you don't reach for unhealthy processed sweets

Some brands make it with less sugar or natural sweeteners

The not-so-good:

It is sweet, so if you are watching your sugar intake, eat in moderation

The cooking process reduces some of the heat-sensitive nutrients

Not all brands use high-quality apples

My take: One or two pieces a day is fine. It's a dessert, not a health food. But compared to eating a chocolate bar or processed cookies? Apple murabba is probably the better choice. At least you're getting some fruit with your sugar.

The Verdict: Is Apple Murabba Worth It?

After finishing my first jar and buying a second one (and maybe a third for backup), here is my honest opinion:

Do I like apple murabba? Yes. Very much.

Is it my favorite murabba? It might be tied with mango. Different moods, different favorites. When I want something exciting, I reach for mango or mix murabba. When I want something comforting, I reach for apple.

Who should try apple murabba:

Absolute beginners who have never tried murabba before

Kids (seriously, every kid I have given this to has liked it)

People who love apples and want to try them in a new way

Anyone looking for a comforting, familiar dessert

People who find other murabbas too intense or tangy

Who might not love it:

People who don't like sweet things (this is definitely sweet)

People who prefer tangy or unique flavors (try amla or bamboo instead)

Anyone looking for a sugar-free option (this isn't it)

Would I buy it again? Already did. It's now a permanent part of my murabba collection. Apple for comfort, amla for health, mix for excitement. Perfect balance.

What I Want to Try Next

My murabba journey continues. Here is what I am looking for now:

Spiced apple murabba with more cinnamon and cardamom

Apple murabba with jaggery instead of sugar

Green apple murabba for a tangier version

Homemade apple murabba – I might actually try making this myself

If you have tried any interesting apple murabba variations, tell me in the comments!

Final Thoughts

Apple murabba surprised me with how comforting it is. It's not the most exciting murabba I have tried. It's not the healthiest. It's not the most unique.

But sometimes, you don't want exciting or healthy or unique. Sometimes you just want something that feels like a warm hug. Something familiar. Something that makes you close your eyes for a second and just enjoy.

That's apple murabba.

If you see it at a shop near you, buy a small jar. Take it home. Make yourself a cup of tea. Sit somewhere comfortable. And just... try it.

You might surprise yourself with how much you like it.

And if you already love apple murabba? Tell me how you eat it. Tell me your favorite brand. Tell me if you've ever made it at home. I'm still learning, and I need all the recommendations I can get.

Have you tried apple murabba? What did you think? Comment below and let me know!