Mulberries are often overlooked berries that grow wild throughout the continental United States. Some people consider mulberries a nuisance because of the stains left by the purple fruit when mulberries become ripe and drop to the ground, or birds eat them and leave purple dropping. Mulberries, however, are a powerhouse of nutrients. If you are lucky enough to have a mulberry tree growing near you, harvesting the mulberries can provide health benefits.
Health Benefits of Mulberries
Mulberries are an excellent source of vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin K and iron. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, riboflavin, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. Resveratrol, an antioxidant found in red grapes and red wine, has been heavily publicized for its positive health benefits. These benefits include lowering cholesterol, preventing cancer, blood clots, diabetes and aiding in weight loss.
While, not as heavily publicized, Resveratrol is abundant in mulberries! Mulberries can be an asset to any weight loss plan. Additionally, mulberries are a natural food remedy for treating digestive problems. The healing health benefits of raw fruits and vegetables should never be underestimated and incorporating a wide variety of raw berries, including mulberries, will ensure optimal health.
Harvesting Mulberries
Mulberries begin to ripen late May through July. Immature mulberries are white. In most species of mulberries the fruit turns red, then purple, appearing almost black when the mulberries are fully ripe. Mulberries are not picked by hand. Mulberries are most easily harvested from a tree using a tarp and branch hook. The mulberries collapse easily between your fingers if you attempt to pick them.
Place a wide tarp, blanket, net or sheet below the branch of the tree or bush from which you hope to obtain mulberries. Shake the branch, or bush, with your hand or with a rake or branch hook. Alternatively, you can leave the tarp below the tree or bush for a few days and let nature drop the mulberries onto it. Check the tarp every day or two, to keep the bugs from eating the mulberries before you do. Rocks or stones work well to keep the tarp in place.
Eating Mulberries
The mulberry fruit are the only part of the mulberry tree that should be eaten. Do not worry about removing the stems from the mulberries. Simply rinse them well before eating, freezing, drying, or cooking the mulberries. Mulberries are delicious eaten by themselves, blended into fresh raw mulberry smoothies, baked in mulberry pies or cobblers, made into mulberry wine, or prepared as mulberry jam. For delicious mulberry recipes, see the links below.
Mulberry Recipes
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