The mulberry is the collective name for the aggregate fruit of several Morus species, ripening from green through red to deep purple-black, prized for its sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color.
History & Origins
Mulberries have been gathered and cultivated for at least 4,000 years: the white mulberry (M. alba) underpinned Chinese sericulture from the Neolithic period onward, while the black mulberry (M. nigra) was prized in Persia and the Levant, where it was naturalized by antiquity and spread through the Mediterranean by the Roman era. In 1609 King James I ordered widespread planting of mulberry trees across England to launch a domestic silk industry, but the wrong species and unsuitable climate doomed the project, leaving scattered heritage trees still standing today.
Nutrition Facts
Per 100 g, edible portion (estimated)
- 43 kcalCalories
- 1.4 gProtein
- 0.4 gFat
- 9.8 gCarbs
- 1.7 gFiber
- 8.1 gSugars
- 194 mgPotassium
- 36.4 mgVitamin C
- 1 mcgVitamin A
Culinary Uses
- Eaten fresh or macerated in syrups and sherbets (Turkish dut şurubu, Persian tut şerbeti)
- Dried as raisins for baking, granolas, and trail mixes
- Cooked into jams, chutneys, and traditional pies such as British mulberry tart
- Fermented into country wines, brandies, and the Greek liqueur Kommenoi
- Steeped as herbal tea from the leaves for a mildly sweet, grassy infusion
Known Benefits
- Excellent source of vitamin C and iron for immune and blood health
- Rich in anthocyanins, especially in dark-fruited species, with antioxidant activity
- Provides resveratrol and rutin linked to cardiovascular support
- Contains iron and folate useful in pregnancy and anemia-prevention diets
Hidden Benefits
- Contains 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), an alkaloid studied for slowing carbohydrate digestion and blood sugar spikes
- Anthocyanin profile supports retinal health and may reduce eye fatigue
- Leaf extracts show lipid-lowering effects in several human clinical trials
- Polyphenol content remains stable after cooking, unlike many berries
Cautions & Considerations
- Unripe fruit, leaves, and stems exude a white latex that can cause nausea and digestive upset
- May potentiate diabetes and antihypertensive medications; consult a clinician when consuming large quantities
- Dark varieties stain skin, fabrics, and porous countertops rapidly and can be difficult to remove
- Pollen from M. alba is a recognized seasonal allergen in urban areas
