Driving the Texas highways (which is my neck of the woods), there are often vegetable stands in the spring and summer that tempt me to stop to peruse their offerings. Still, I was surprised to see a truck at a highway intersection in midwinter offering Mahaw jelly. When the man waved at me, I decided it was a worthy chance to stretch my legs after six hours of driving. As you can see, I also fell for the jelly!
Mayhaw jelly
As he battled the wind to stand upright, the vendor told me that a “mayhaw” is a berry from a particular Hawthorne tree that grows in “low-lying” areas (read that as “swamp”). The fruit is ripe in May, thus the name. He and his wife gathered the berries to make jelly as a hobby. That’s a good thing because at $5.00 per jar, on a lonely stretch of highway, this would be a hard way to make a living.
Though I had heard of mayhaw jelly before, I had never in my life experienced it. It’s delicious, so I will be sad when I eat all of this(which might be before this week is out, as I am not inclined to share!). I guess I’ll just have to call the number on the jar for Fatfrog’s Jelly and hope I can get some more.
Have you ever had mayhaw jelly? Does it grow where you live?
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve never even heard of mayhaw jelly, but your picture looks scrumptious!! I can’t believe the things you stumble across on your travels. It also amazes me that someone would stand on a lonely road and sell jelly for $5.00 and that you would actually stop because they waived at you. My first thought would be that he would be like the I-55 killer or something. LOL I think visiting you would not only be fun, it would open my eyes to some fabulous adventures.
Jessica The Rock Chick´s last blog ..I Am A Rock Star
It’s my Muse that does it, Jessica. She gets me into all kinds of trouble. Now that I think of it, stopping just because he waved was kinda stupid. Fortunately, you won’t read about me on the six o’clock news…this time.
Having never heard of much less tasted Mayhaw, I had to go looking for info. Just in case Fatfrog can’t be found, here another source http://www.old-mill.com/product/837/12?p=28WPPC1&r=PPCJEL
Jamie´s last blog ..Witty and Wonderful
Fortunately their phone number is on the label, but thanks for the link. I’ll buy from them next time, because I know their jelly! I asked if they had a website & the reply was, “I think so. My daughter was working on one.” How can you “think so?” Obviously, these folks live in the country and haven’t kept up with the digital world
I wonder how many jars he sells on that highway? I have never heard of it… but I know I would love it — it looks delicious! Is this a plant that grows in Texas? I’m so tired of the dead of winter — anything fresh like that looks scumptious!
Susiej´s last blog ..How To Make Intense Flavored Chili
I think the plant is found mostly in Southern Louisiana & south Texas. It’s pretty swampy down this way. I looked for pictures on the internet, and it seems to be a bright red berry. Again, I’ve heard of it, but had never tasted it until yesterday. That must mean the tree doesn’t grow in North Texas, because my Mamaw either jellied or pickled anything that didn’t move fast enough!
Hi Shelly! I read your blog regularly through my bloglines account. Your mention of mayhaw jelly brings me out of the woodwork to comment! I am in south Louisiana and have had the great fortune to gather mayhaw berries and make the jelly myself! It is very delicious and the color is beautiful, isn’t it? It’s been a few years since I’ve had any of the jelly but your post makes me very hungry for mayhaw jelly and biscuits! It is also good if you make a sheet cake and spread the jelly on the cake while warm and add some shredded coconut. Yummers!
I’m going to try the sheet cake, Annie. Thank you for sharing that idea. I can’t believe I’ve missed mayhaw jelly. I am now a devoted fan! I appreciate your readership (and you coming out from hiding).