White Mulberries
- The Rainbow Team
- May 17, 2015
- 2 min read
Seasons/Availability
White mulberries are available during the late spring and summer months.
Current Facts
White mulberries, also known as Morus fruit, from its Latin designation, Morus alba, are technically not berries. It is a multiple fruit, made up of many small fleshy drupes. White mulberries are specially cultivated in China for their color and leaves, which are a silkworm’s preferred snack.
Description/Taste
White mulberries are identical to their black or red counterparts, with a white, pink or light purple flesh. They resemble elongated blackberries. Compared to Red mulberries, the white variety are smaller, more mildly sweet, and are not as tart. White mulberries have a mild honey taste and are best when slightly overripe.
Nutritional Value
White mulberries can be classified as a Super Food, as they are very rich in vitamin C and anthocyanins, which give them their pinkish-purple color.
Applications
White mulberries can be used like any other berries; in pies and tarts, as a garnish for desserts and breakfasts. Eat them fresh, out-of-hand for a snack or dry them to add to granola or cereals. White mulberries freeze well for future use. Make scones or muffins, or puree into a sauce for both sweet and savory dishes. These Chinese drupes blend well with other fruits, especially apples and pears.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In China, White mulberries are considered a blood tonic and are used to treat a variety of ailments such as fatigue, anemia, and insomnia.
Geography/History
White mulberries are native to China where they were cultivated for their leaves as a food source for silk worms. The relationship between the White mulberry and the silkworm dates back 4000 years. White mulberry trees typically do not produce white fruit, unless specifically cultivated to do so. They are called “White” for the color of the buds, and not necessarily for the color of their fruit. White mulberry trees that produce purely white fruit are rare. Typical White mulberry trees produce fruit that is white when immature, then more pink or purple as it matures. There are three species of mulberry that exist: white, red and hybrid. The hybrid trees produce fruit of several colors. White mulberries can be found growing in the Mediterranean region, in countries bordering the Caspian and Black Seas. They are also grown by a few farmers in California, specifically for farmers markets and restaurants.
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