Baidaj Harvesting Then and Now. This 1950s photograph from our archives shows an O’odham woman and children harvesting the baidaj (saguaro cactus fruit). Then see photos of Lisa Chavez, a member of the Ak-Chin Indian Community, who visited the Arizona Heritage Center this summer to harvest baidaj with our Museum Education Curator, Allison Avery. Lisa and Allison used a traditional harvesting stick called the kuipud. The sweet baidaj fruit has ruby red pulp that can make juice, syrup, and jellies. The saguaro harvest marks the beginning of the O’odham New Year, a time to recognize the summer solstice, arrival of the monsoon storms, and the annual baidaj harvest.
Thanks to Arizona Historical Society for the information.
: Western Ways Collection, 100-0002657
