Common Hawthorn, Oneseed Hawthorn, Haw, Thornapple, May Tree, Whitethorn, Quickthorn, Pixie Pears, Cuckoo’s Beads, and Chucky Cheese. Some other names for these plants are Draenen wen (CY), Sceach Gheal (IE), Weißdorn (DE), Hagedorn (DE), Majuelo (SP), and Espino Albar (SP).
Hawthorn originates from Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia. It thrives extensively throughout Ireland and the UK, with the exception of the northern region of Scotland.
Hawthorn berries are the fruit of hawthorn trees and shrubs They have been used for centuries for food and herbal medicine Knowing when to harvest hawthorn berries is important to get the best flavor and health benefits, Here is a guide on identifying when hawthorn berries are ripe and ready for picking,
Hawthorn Berry Growth Stages
Hawthorn berries go through distinct phases as they grow and ripen:
-
Green berries After the white or pink hawthorn flowers bloom in spring, small, hard green berries form These are not ripe and should not be harvested
-
Red berries: As summer progresses, the berries turn red. However, they are still hard and bitter at this stage.
-
Deep red ripe berries: In early fall, the berries turn a deep, dark red and soften. This is when they are ripe and ready for picking.
-
Overripe berries After the peak ripeness in fall, berries may start to wrinkle and rot on the branches. These are past ripe and not good for eating or medicine making.
Signs Hawthorn Berries are Ripe
Here are the signs that hawthorn berries are fully ripe and ready to harvest:
- Deep, dark red color – no traces of green
- Soft, juicy texture – no longer hard
- Sweet, appley flavor – not bitter or sour
Ripe berries should easily come off the branch when gently twisted or pulled. Unripe green and red berries will stay firmly on the branches.
When to Harvest Hawthorn Berries
The timing of hawthorn berry ripening can vary depending on climate, weather conditions, and hawthorn species. However, in general:
-
Early fall – Start checking berries in early September. Washington hawthorn and other early species may be ready for harvest.
-
Mid to late fall – October is often the peak ripeness for many hawthorn species. Try single-seeded hawthorn, English hawthorn, and other common varieties.
-
Early winter – Some hawthorn berries ripen late and can be picked as late as early December.
Berries on south facing branches often ripen first. Check berries on several branches around the whole shrub or tree to gauge ripeness.
Aim to harvest hawthorn berries soon after they reach peak ripeness in the fall. Overripe berries left on the branches will deteriorate in quality.
How to Harvest Hawthorn Berries
Use these tips for efficiently harvesting ripe hawthorn berries:
- Wear gloves and long sleeves – hawthorn branches have sharp thorns
- Gently pull off berries, leaving stems attached
- Use pruners or scissors for hard to reach berries
- Avoid crushing or bruising berries
- Use a container with a wide opening for easy collecting
- Refrigerate berries soon after picking if not using right away
Hawthorn berries are easiest to harvest after leaves have fallen, as there will be less foliage obscuring the branches and thorns.
Drying and Storing Hawthorn Berries
Fresh hawthorn berries only last 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. To preserve a harvest for later use:
-
Drying – Spread washed berries on racks or trays. Dehydrate at 115°F until hard and brittle. Store in airtight containers.
-
Freezing – Arrange berries in single layers on trays and freeze solid. Transfer to freezer bags. Frozen berries will keep for 6-12 months.
-
Extracts – Cover berries with vodka or other high proof alcohol to make medicinal extracts.
Properly stored dried berries will retain their health benefits and flavor for up to a year. Frozen berries are better for making food items like jams or syrups.
Hawthorn berries are a nutritious wild edible and herbal medicine. Pay close attention to when the berries ripen in your area. Harvest them when they reach peak flavor and quality in early to mid fall. Use fresh right away, or preserve by drying, freezing or extracting in alcohol for year-round use. With the right timing, you can enjoy hawthorn berries from harvest through winter.
Culinary uses and recipes with Hawthorn
Young shoots and unopened flower buds were once known as ‘bread and cheese’. Though much healthier, unfortunately they taste of neither.
The berries are called Haws and look a lot like mild apples, but their flesh is very dense and dry. For making tasty jellies to go with cheese, they work especially well, and they can also be used instead of ketchup.
Haws are also used to make country wines and homemade schnapps. They give these drinks their own flavor and may even help with health problems.
In addition, the leaves, flowers, and berries of the hawthorn can be used to make an herbal tea.
Where to find Hawthorn
The hawthorn tree is prevalent in various habitats, including deciduous woodlands, hedgerows, scrublands, and public parks.
How to Harvest Hawthorn Berry with Michael Pilarski “Skeeter”
FAQ
How to know when hawthorn berries are ripe?
When should I eat hawthorn berries?
Can you eat raw hawthorn berries?
When to harvest hawthorne?
How do you harvest hawthorn berries?
Handpicking is the most traditional and widely practiced method of harvesting hawthorn berries. This technique involves carefully plucking the ripe berries from the branches by hand. Handpicking allows for selective harvesting, ensuring only the ripest berries are collected while leaving unripe ones behind for future harvests.
Can you eat hawthorn berries?
The edible berries or “haws” on the Hawthorn are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They have been traditionally used to support heart health and improve blood circulation. Although they have a long history of medicinal use, they can also be consumed as food. People eat the flesh of the fruit, the flowers, and the young leaves.
When to harvest hawthorn berries?
The optimal time to harvest hawthorn berries is during the late summer or early fall when they are fully ripened. Waiting for the berries to turn a deep red color indicates that they have reached their peak maturity and are ready for harvesting. Harvesting hawthorn berries too early will result in an underdeveloped taste and lower nutrient content.
When do hawthorn trees bloom?
The leaves generally appear before the first blossoms. Hawthorn flowers in early to mid spring and is commonly known as May blossom. In bloom, the tree (or bush) exhibits a huge number of small white (or pale pink) flowers. Hawthorn flowers appear in round-top clusters toward the ends of branches.
When do hawthorn berries turn red?
Washington hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum): berries, leaves, thorns in early November. Coin for scale. This grows as a small tree or large shrub, and bears clusters of white flowers in late spring. The berries turn red in September (here), but sweeten later. By October 31st, they were sweet, and maybe slightly past peak. Each berry has 3-5 seeds.
When do hawthorn berries come out?
The flowers may be around all summer, depending on the tree, species of Hawthorn, and the weather. You’ll find the hawthorn berry in the fall. Typically, the red fruit is at its best in mid to late October. If you can pick the berries right after the first frost, you may find a better flavor in your fruit.