Golden Acres Ranch

Mayhaw Berries are great for making that wonderful jelly known only here in the south.  These native trees that are prolific with berries every spring.  The normal harvest time is around May 1 to May 21 each year.

We acquired this property in 2001 and were told about the Mayhaw trees back in the woods.  Wow!  Was that an understatement.  We haven't counted every tree yet but have marked over 175 so far. The trees grow in a natural wet area and it is now cleaned out and protected with fencing.   Previous owners of this property told us that the trees could easily be 50 years old.   An expert from the Thomas County, Georgia Extension Office identified the one of the trees for us.  There seem to be several varieties in the stand from light yellow to very deep red.  Some trees have very small berries while others are larger than cranberries.

There are bees on the property now and they seem to have done their job pollinating because the limbs were loaded with berries this year.  

 The recent rains filled the pond and we harvested the mayhaws in our waders and with a net - over 600 pounds.  We have developed a system for cleaning and drying the berries before they are packaged and frozen.  We pack in 4-pound (gallon bag) packages.  They will store frozen for up to 2 years and I've been told longer, but have not tested that theory. This year's price is $23.00 per bag. 

Jelly is available for those that like the flavor but not the work.  We'll have both frozen berries and jelly available at local farmers markets but you are always welcome here at the farm.