Mulberry

What Is Mulberry?

Mulberry (genus Morus, the most commonly eaten fresh being black mulberry, Morus nigra) is an elongated summer fruit formed by the joining of many small berries, dark purple-black or white in color. It resembles blackberry but is longer and generally sweeter.

Both black mulberry and white mulberry grow in Turkey; white mulberry is generally preferred for molasses and drying, while black mulberry is preferred for fresh consumption.

Nutritional Value of Mulberry

Mulberry is a low-calorie fruit; 100 grams contains about 43 kcal of energy. It is notable for its vitamin C and iron content.

What Are the Benefits of Mulberry?

With its vitamin C, iron, and antioxidant plant compound content, mulberry is one of the fruits considered part of a balanced diet.

This information is general; mulberry is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Mulberry?

Fresh mulberry is dark colored (for black mulberry) or cream colored (for white mulberry), plump, and slightly soft.

• The color should be dark purple-black or cream-white depending on variety; paleness indicates staleness.
• It should give slightly when pressed; very firm mulberries have not fully sweetened yet.
• Bruised, leaking berries should be picked out since they spoil quickly.

How to Store Mulberry?

Mulberry is one of the quickest fruits to spoil among all; it lasts only 1-2 days even in the refrigerator. It is best to consume it the day it is picked or to freeze it immediately and use it for molasses or dried mulberry making.

Using Mulberry in the Kitchen

Mulberry is mostly consumed raw as a snack; due to its short shelf life, when in season it is turned into molasses or dried mulberry to be preserved throughout the year.

How to Make Mulberry Molasses?

Mulberries are boiled in water and strained; the resulting dark liquid is slowly boiled over low heat until it turns into a thick, dark molasses; making it without added sugar, using only the fruit's natural sugar, is the traditional method.

Which Recipes Use Mulberry?

Mulberry molasses, dried mulberry, mulberry bread or breakfast cereal, and mulberry desserts are the most beloved uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mulberry good for?

Mulberry is rich in vitamin C, iron, and antioxidant plant compounds; it is considered part of a balanced diet. It is a food; it does not claim to cure any disease.

Why does mulberry spoil quickly?

Due to its thin skin and high water content, it starts to soften and bruise shortly after being picked; this is why it is rarely found in long-distance trade and is mostly sold at local markets.

What is the difference between black mulberry and white mulberry?

Black mulberry is darker colored, juicier, and generally more sour-sweet; white mulberry has a drier texture and an intense sweetness, and is mostly preferred for molasses and drying.

What are mulberry leaves used for?

Mulberry leaves are traditionally used in silkworm cultivation; in some cultures they are also brewed as tea, but this use is separate from the fruit itself.

Can mulberry be frozen?

Yes, freezing solves the problem of its short shelf life; frozen mulberry can be used directly in molasses, smoothies, or dessert making.