When is the Best Time to Harvest Hawthorn Berries?

Hawthorn berries are the fruit of hawthorn trees and shrubs. For hundreds of years, people have used them to make food and herbal medicines. To get the most flavor and health benefits from hawthorn berries, you need to know when to pick them. This article tells you how to tell when hawthorn berries are ready to be picked.

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.

• Berries that are too ripe: Berries may start to wrinkle and rot on the branches after they are fully ripe in the fall. They are no longer ripe and can’t be used to make food or medicine.

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. Early species like Washington hawthorn may be ready to be picked.

• 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 don’t ripen until late November or early December, so you can still pick them.

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.

Culinary Uses

Hawthorn berries have a sweet, apple-like flavor when ripe. They can be used to make:

• Jams, jellies, and fruit spreads
• Juices, syrups, and cordials
• Pies, crumbles, and other baked desserts
• Fermented into wine, mead, or vinegar
• Tea blends and herbal infusions

Both the berries and leaves have been used as spices and flavorings. Young leaves can be eaten fresh in salads when collected in spring.

Medicinal Benefits

Hawthorn berries, leaves, and flowers have many traditional medicinal uses backed by scientific research. They are most commonly taken to:

• Support heart health and cardiovascular function
• Lower high blood pressure
• Improve circulation
• Reduce anxiety and stress
• Aid digestion

Hawthorn is often prepared as a tea, tincture, or herbal extract to harness its bioactive compounds. Always consult your healthcare provider before using hawthorn for any health condition.

Identifying Hawthorn Shrubs and Trees

Here are tips for identifying hawthorn in the landscape:

• Shrub or small tree growing up to 49 feet tall
• Sharp thorns on branches
• Lobed, toothed leaves that are oval or egg-shaped
• Clusters of 5-petaled white or pink flowers blooming in spring
• Small apple-like fruits ripening in late summer/fall

Key Takeaways

• Harvest hawthorn berries when they are fully ripe in early to mid fall.
• Look for deep red color, soft juicy texture, and sweet flavor.
• Gently twist berries off branches and store properly after picking.
• Use fresh berries soon after harvesting or preserve by drying or freezing.
• Hawthorn berries have edible and medicinal uses once fully ripe.

Knowing the ideal harvesting time and correct identification is key to getting the best quality hawthorn berries for food and health benefits. Pay close attention to when they ripen in your area and look for signs of ripeness. With the right timing, you’ll be rewarded with a nutritious wild edible and herbal medicine.