Mulberries (Morus spp.) are very common in certain parks, yet it’s surprising to me how few people actually know about them and how often they are called “junk trees.” They will drop the fruit on cars, making a huge mess in the early summer, but the birds love them and they are an excellent wild edible. They are sweeter than blackberries, extremely abundant, and full of anti-oxidants.

They should not be eaten under-ripe and the leaves are toxic. As long as they are squishy to the touch and sweet, they are ripe enough.

There are many different mulberry species in the United States . . . about 17. The berries can be red, black, or white when ripe, depending on the species.

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Identification

Leaves: The leaves on one tree can be uni-lobed, bi-lobed, tri-lobed, or more. They are serrated with distinct veins.

Branching: Alternate.

Flowers: Greenish, whitish, in bunches.

Fruit: Aggregate, oblong. Black, white, or red when ripe.

Flowers: Greenish, whitish, in bunches.

Uses

Eating them raw is one of the arguably the best use of all, but you can also use them in jam or jelly. I find they are best when added in with black raspberries and if most of the seeds are removed using a food mill. You can also use them in pies or wine. They freeze well, so on the day you harvest them, if you won’t eat them within 24 hours, it’s best to freeze them in mason jars or can them.

Medicinal Value

Insomnia: Mulberry juice can cure insomnia.

Digestive Health: Mulberries are great at maintaining and improving your digestive system, particularly constipation.

Anti-Aging: Mulberries have resveratrol, which is known to decrease winkles and even gray hair. They contain anti-cancer agents as well that are readily absorbed by the human body.

Cold Remedy: Historically, mulberry was used to help people recover from a cold.

Sources:

“Health Benefits of Mulberry Juice.” 2018. Juice Benefits.net. Access Date: June 13, 2020. Link: <http://www.juicebenefits.net/mulberry/health-benefits-of-mulberry-juice&gt;

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