Haws berries

While wandering the web came across this tidbit of info. Thought I would share. As many of you know the Haws family traces our roots back to Scotland. I did not realize that the berries of the Hawthorne bush are called Haws. They are pretty looking berries too!

The Hawthorn bushes have been heavy with Haws, which ripen around the end of September, changing colour gradually from scarlet red to a darker crimson. These can often be picked as late as November. They were not greatly prized in the more distant past, considered worthless except in times of need - according to one saying, "when all fruit falls, welcome haws", indicating that they would do if you couldn't get anything better! They were eaten more regularly in the Scottish Highlands and in India the tree is actually cultivated for its fruit. Nowadays haws are used for making wine, Hawthorn jelly and a liqueur made by steeping the berries in brandy.