By Johnson                                           H.C.R. No. 176
       74R10062 KMP-D
                              HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
    1-1        WHEREAS, The State of Texas has traditionally recognized a
    1-2  variety of official state symbols that embody the proud spirit and
    1-3  rich heritage of our state; and
    1-4        WHEREAS, The bluebonnet, the mockingbird, and the Guadalupe
    1-5  bass are examples of some natural specimens that serve to symbolize
    1-6  the great diversity of the Texas landscape, while the state folk
    1-7  dance, the square dance, fittingly represents another aspect of our
    1-8  shared culture as Texans; and
    1-9        WHEREAS, In keeping with this custom, the designation of the
   1-10  mayhaw as an official State Crop of Texas will provide suitable
   1-11  recognition for this delicious agricultural product that has for
   1-12  many years been a favorite ingredient in Texas jams and jellies and
   1-13  that today is in great demand by fine food and wine connoisseurs
   1-14  throughout the world; and
   1-15        WHEREAS, A member of the rose family, the mayhaw tree is
   1-16  adorned with cascades of snowy white blossoms that form a lovely
   1-17  backdrop for the bright yellow and red fruits produced each spring;
   1-18  small and apple-like, mayhaws have been prized by generations of
   1-19  Texans for use in jams, jellies, pies, cakes, and other savory
   1-20  delicacies; and
   1-21        WHEREAS, Traditionally this fruit was obtained only by
   1-22  determined epicures and adventurous children who braved dangerous
   1-23  swamplands and river bottoms in order to find groves of wild mayhaw
   1-24  trees; once the trees were located, however, the precious bounty
    2-1  was yielded up easily when the limbs of the tree were gently
    2-2  shaken; and
    2-3        WHEREAS, Through the combined efforts of Texas researchers,
    2-4  extension agents, and orchard growers, the mayhaw has been
    2-5  successfully cultivated for commercial planting and is now
    2-6  harvested in hundreds of small orchards across the State of Texas;
    2-7  and
    2-8        WHEREAS, Because these delectable fruits fall to the ground
    2-9  when ripe, the mayhaw is an ideal agricultural crop that lends
   2-10  itself to mechanical harvesting and is suitable for both
   2-11  large-scale orchard production and smaller, cottage industry
   2-12  production; in addition, the mayhaw has become a popular crop at
   2-13  orchards that offer families the opportunity to spend a pleasant
   2-14  day in the countryside while they pick fruit for use at home; and
   2-15        WHEREAS, The mayhaw has become an economic boon for growers
   2-16  in the Lone Star State, who currently cannot produce enough of this
   2-17  tasty fruit to meet demand; now a common sight on the shelves of
   2-18  grocery stores and gourmet shops, mayhaw products are continuing to
   2-19  increase in popularity throughout the world and have helped bring
   2-20  prosperity to both producers and processors of Texas agriculture;
   2-21  and
   2-22        WHEREAS, The successful cultivation of the mayhaw as a
   2-23  commercial crop is a tribute to the ingenuity, hard work, and
   2-24  cooperation of Texas agriculturalists and producers; Texas is at
   2-25  the forefront of efforts to discover new uses for this delicious,
   2-26  versatile, and hearty food, which has been a delightful part of our
   2-27  state's cuisine and tradition for more than a century, and it is
    3-1  indeed fitting that the mayhaw be given special legislative
    3-2  recognition and support for its culinary and economic contributions
    3-3  to the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it
    3-4        RESOLVED, That the 74th Legislature of the State of Texas
    3-5  hereby designate the mayhaw as an official State Crop of Texas.