Frank E. Little has been growing an unusual and rare fruit for the state of Alabama. He has 35 to 40 Mayhaw trees scattered across his farmland, which he’s been growing for over 30 years.

His hobby began when he traveled to Pelham, Georgia and bought six trees from a “young fella’.”

“It’s been a source of amusement,” Little says. “It’s a good source of income too.”

Mayhaws are part of the Hawthorne family, and they ripen in May—hence the name Mayhaw. They grow from a tree like an apple, but are slightly smaller than a grape. In Little’s latest harvest, his largest piece of fruit was 7/8” round. Little also holds the Alabama state record for the biggest Mayhaw tree. It is 8 to 10 years old, he says.

They are usually found in river beds and swampy areas. They are tolerant of wet soils, but grow best in moist, well-drained areas.

“Customers come a long way for my fruit,” Little says. “I’ve had a gentleman come from Baton Rouge, Louisiana for my Mayhaws.”

Little has local customers that he sees year after year. Many pick to eat or pick and make them into jellies or jams.

“There’s a man that makes wine with his Mayhaws,” he says.

His tip for making a jam is to freeze your fruit first. If they are frozen, they make more juice for jam than fresh Mayhaws.

Little has a farm off County Road 20, where he grows other items such as potatoes, onions and he even has two bee colonies on his property, taken care of by other bee keepers.

“I sell whatever I can get planted,” he says.

Little’s best advice for buying and growing your own Mayhaw tree is to buy your trees from a reputable nursery.