Mulberries

There are three main types of mulberries, white, black, and red mulberry. We’ll be focusing more on the red mulberry as this is the species that is native to most of America. The mulberry fruit resembles blackberries. While visually similar to the blackberry, the mulberry is actually very sweet in taste when compared to the characteristic tart taste of blackberries.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Order: Rosales
• Family: Moraceae
• Genus: Morus
• Species: M. rubra
• Binomial name: Morus rubra

Mulberry Trivia

• The white mulberry leaves are mainly used as food for silkworms.
• The Ancient Romans used mulberry leaves for the treatment of respiratory diseases.
• The pigments extracted from mulberries are used as colorings for the food and fabric industry.
• In Germany, the mulberry is associated with evil spirits.

Mulberry Buying Guide

Due to their similarities with blackberries, selecting the best mulberries is just like selecting blackberries. Choose mulberries that are plump and have a deep red, black, or purple color. Avoid mulberries that are light in color or those that have green or pale-yellow shades as this is a sure sign of them being unripe. Avoid mulberries that are leaking and have soft spots as these may cause the other mulberries in the bunch to spoil much faster from mold.

Tip: The color guide only applies to red mulberries, if you’re purchasing white mulberries in Asia then just check for plumpness of the fruit with no visible bruising or weeping.

Mulberry Production & Farming in Texas

Mulberry demand has gone up in recent years with the supply side being slow to catch up. Commercial mulberry production in Texas has only gained interest in the past decade or so, but there are already small farmers that provide mulberries to a lot of local markets and farmers’ markets. One of the reasons why mulberry production is slow to catch up with the demand is that the mulberry tree (yes, it is not a bush as opposed to what the nursery rhyme says) takes roughly ten years before they bear fruit.

Pesticides:

Mulberries are known to be very hardy plants and are not yet heavily commercially farmed. As the mulberry trees are relatively pest-free, there are very few records that mention any pesticide being used on the three as well as the fruits, making mulberries a very good fruit of choice for those who are trying to avoid pesticides.

Geography:

The mulberry grows in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9 but it thrives exceptionally well in zones 6 and 7. It requires mildly acidic soil with pH levels between 6.1-6.5 and it should be well-drained. Mulberry seeds should be planted in the spring so they have time to grab root before winter. Mulberry trees are pretty drought resistant when established but while they are still young, occasional watering is still required in periods of extended drought.

Packaging:

Mulberries can usually be purchased from local markets, farmers’ markets, and roadside stalls when they are in season. They are often displayed in wooden crates or buckets and sold by the pound. Since they are much more durable than blackberries, they require very little in terms of special packaging.

Enjoying Mulberries

Preparing fresh mulberries for consumption is very simple. Soak them in a bowl of cold water for a few minutes to loosen up and wash off any dirt on the surface of the fruit. After soaking, pat them dry and pinch off the stems. Your mulberries are ready for consumption!

Storage:

Mulberries can be stored in the fridge for about three to four days, just make sure to dispose of any bruised or weeping fruits before storing them to reduce the chance of early spoilage.

Tip: Do not wash mulberries if you plan to store them in the fridge as this may lead to mold growth.

To freeze mulberries, you have to wash first, pat dry then freeze in a single layer. Once frozen, they can now be transferred to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months.

Cooking:

If any mulberries survive from the initial snacking stage, they can be turned into lovely desserts. Mulberries can be used in any recipe that calls for blackberries as their flavor profiles are similar, with the mulberry winning slightly in the sweetness category. The best use for mulberries in a heated application has to be in pies and tarts.

Mulberries can also be used to make cobblers, pancakes, granola bars, and ice cream.

Mulberries can also be dehydrated to extend their shelf life as well as to make a healthy snack for munching.

Nutrition:

• Carbs
  • The carbs in mulberries are mostly simple sugar with a little bit of dietary fiber. The simple sugars help give you a quick energy boost.
  • While they are sugars, take note that these are natural sugars, which is immensely better than having processed sugars from junk food or other processed food. If you’re going to consume sugars, might as well make it natural.
• Fiber
  • One serving of mulberries only provides under 10% of the RDI for fiber, unlike their blackberry cousins that provide for a high number.
  • The fibers that the mulberries provide are mostly insoluble fibers that help bulk up stool and relieve the symptoms of constipation.
• Vitamins and minerals:
  • Mulberries are rich in several vitamins and minerals and we’re going to go over each one.
    • Iron – Not a lot of fruits contain Iron, so if you need extra iron in your diet, mulberries are a delicious way to get them.
    • Potassium – Potassium helps with the overall balance of electrolytes in your body as well as help you get rid of excess sodium.
    • Vitamin C – Vitamin C is essential in the diet to promote skin health, cell regeneration, as well as to fight off oxidative stress that may lead to diseases like cancer.
    • Vitamin K1 – Mulberries also contain Vitamin K1, which plays an important role in bone health and our blood clotting functions.

When Are Mulberries in Season in Texas?