Mayhaw!

New Orleans, LA – Sweden may boast about its red lingonberries; and Michigan has its red cranberries. But, here in the Gulf Coast, soggy bottom forests produce a most unusual red berry called the Mayhaw. Its name corresponds with the time of year its trees bear fruit: May. Closely related to the Hawthorn, this prickly member of the rose family produces a red berry coveted by jelly makers and sauciers from Houston to Mobile. Pirogue is often the vehicle of choice for mayhaw expeditions to these compact shrubby trees that often reside in swamp terrain. High in vitamin C and possessing antioxidant qualities, these tangy fruits also taste good. In fact, bartenders at Cochon make an adult lemonade with the Mayhaw juice. Doesn't that sound good? For the Farmers Market Minute, this is Richard McCarthy.