Annual Saguaro Fruit Harvest (Hasan Baihi)

A saguaro-rib pole, called a ku'ipad, is used to knock the fruit to the ground_image #4

After the fruit is cooked, the juice is separated from the pulp through a burlap strainer_image #6

Saguaros heavy with ripe fruit signal the time for the annual harvest, called Hasan Baihi_image #2

The saguaro cactus's fruit ripens in June after the white flower petals fall off_image #1

The saguaro fruit is boiled with water to make a thick syrup, called sitol_image #5

The saguaro juice is boiled and constantly stirred to make syrup_image #8

The saguaro juice is strained to separate the liquid from the seeds_image #7

The saguaro syrup is fermented into the ceremonial wine in a round house_image #9

Tohono O'odhams are going out into the desert to harvest the saguaro fruit_image #3