Are mayhaw berries good for you?
Studies at the University of Georgia Food Science and Technology Department showed that raw mayhaws are a good source of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and beta carotene, which becomes vitamin A inside the body. In addition, they contain small amounts of minerals such as copper, iron, magne- sium and potassium.
What is mayhaw good for?
Traditionally, mayhaw jelly was used as a condiment for game meats, but it can also be used in fruit pies and pastries. Mayhaw syrup is delicious over pancakes, of course, but it also lends itself well over biscuits, muffins, and porridge. Among many old Southern family mayhaw recipes, may even be one for mayhaw wine!
What does a mayhaw berry taste like?
In the wild, mayhaw berries look very much like cranberries or small crabapples. They vary in taste, but the berries are usually fruity and tart. Most would say they’re far too tart to eat straight from the tree—and that’s where the jelly comes in.
Where does mayhaw grow?
Mayhaws grow in moist soil in river and creek bottoms under hardwood trees. The fruit ripens in late April through May, thus the name may-haw. The fruit is also found in bayous surrounding lakes, such as Caddo Lake on the Texas/Louisiana border.
How do you clean Mayhaws?
Making mayhaw jelly is the only thing to do if you’re lucky to get some fully ripened mayhaws! Bring boiling-water canner, half full with water, to simmer. Wash jars and screw bands in hot soapy water; rinse with warm water.
How do you juice Mayhaws?
In a large stockpot, cover the mayhaws with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and strain berries and juice through a chinois or a colander.
How do you eat Mayhaws?
To prepare the jelly, mix the fruit with water and bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook about thirty minutes. Other than jelly, mayhaw fruit can be made into some delicious desserts, drinks and even a chicken dinner.
Is a mayhaw a crabapple?
The mayhaw is the fruit of the thorny Hawthorne tree. This small, round reddish fruit is about ½ to ¾ inch in diameter and resembles a crabapple. It ripens from mid April to early May, hence the name mayhaw. They are more resistant to disease and can withstand low temperatures better than common fruit trees.
How much sun does mayhaw need?
The small trees, which are fruiting hawthorns, grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 8 to 10. Although their wild counterparts often thrive in boggy conditions, cultivated mayhaws simply need a consistently moist soil and full sun or light shade.
Can you eat mayhaw?
The fully ripe fruit is edible raw but is not a desirable fruit for eating out-of- hand. The mayhaw is most often used in jelly, which we eat for pleasure rather than for its nutritional value.
Is mayhaw a hawthorn?
Mayhaw is a native hawthorn, a deciduous shrub in the rose family and found in shallow ponds, wet woods and seasonal swamps along the coastal plains of the southeastern USA and the mountain ridges to the west. It is one of the many species of Hawthorn found throughout North Carolina.
Do Mayhaw trees need pollinators?
Mayhaw needs little care, just provide a good vegetable garden soil and fertilizer. You can forget about having to spray or pamper this old swamp treasure. Our trees are grafted on wild Cratageous rootstock. They prefer part sun to shade and moist, well-drained soils. Most Mayhaws need pollinators , so be sure to get at least two for cross pollination.
When to prune Mayhaw trees?
Some experts suggest mayhaw pruning should start on the day of planting. This type of pruning is done with many fruit trees to avoid the splitting of the trunk that is possible when double leaders or codominant stems are allowed to grow.
What does a mayhaw look like?
In the wild, mayhaw berries look very much like cranberries or small crabapples. They vary in taste, but the berries are usually fruity and tart. Most would say they’re far too tart to eat straight from the tree-and that’s where the jelly comes in. The joy of the mayhaw is the making of its eponymous jelly.
What is mayhaw jelly made of?
Quick Overview mayhaw Mayhaw jelly is a rare delicacy made from the tart red fruit that grows in the low areas and swamps of north and central Louisiana. They grow on a small tree up to 20 feet with an upright form, with showy white blossoms in the early spring followed by clusters of small fruit resembling cranberries.