All about Mulberries, and our Homemade Mulberry Muffin Recipe
Mulberries may not be the most common fruit in grocery stores, but they are one of nature’s most delightful and underrated treasures. Grown on trees that have played a pivotal role in history, especially in silk production, mulberries offer both nutritional value and culinary charm. In this article, we explore what mulberries are, delve into the characteristics of the mulberry tree, uncover their fascinating history, and share a comforting recipe for homemade mulberry muffins.
What Are Mulberries?
Mulberries are the fruit of the Morus tree, belonging to the Moraceae family, which includes figs and breadfruit. The fruit resembles an elongated blackberry, and while they look delicate, they’re robust in nutrients and flavor. Available in various colors—white (Morus alba), red (Morus rubra), and black (Morus nigra)—each variety has its own unique taste and characteristics.
Despite their similarity in appearance to blackberries, mulberries grow on trees rather than bushes. Their flavor ranges from sweet to slightly tart, depending on ripeness and variety, with black and red mulberries offering the richest taste. White mulberries are often milder and less tangy, sometimes even a bit honeyed.
Mulberries are commonly consumed fresh, dried, or in jams, juices, pies, and baked goods. They’re packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and powerful antioxidants such as anthocyanins and resveratrol, making them not only tasty but beneficial to health.
The Mulberry Tree, Fast-Growing and Versatile
The mulberry tree is a deciduous plant, often growing rapidly and reaching heights of up to 10–15 meters (30–50 feet). Known for their broad, lobed leaves and spreading branches, mulberry trees are valued for both their fruit and foliage. In particular, the white mulberry (Morus alba) has leaves that are the primary food source for silkworms, making it central to the history of silk production.
Mulberry trees are hardy and adaptable, capable of growing in a wide range of climates and soil types. They are often found in Asia, Europe, North America, and the Mediterranean. These trees are ideal for homesteads and gardens, producing abundant fruit with minimal maintenance. A single tree can yield several kilograms of fruit in one season.
Mulberries are known for their messy harvest—ripe fruit drops easily, staining sidewalks, hands, and clothing. But to those who have tasted a sun-warmed, freshly picked mulberry straight from the tree, the mess is well worth it.
A Brief History of Mulberries
Mulberries have a long and varied history, weaving together agriculture, trade, and mythology. Cultivation dates back thousands of years, particularly in China, where white mulberry trees were integral to the development of the silk industry.
Origins in China and the Silk Road
China is the original home of the white mulberry tree (Morus alba), which played a central role in the ancient silk industry. Around 2700 BCE, Chinese legend credits Empress Leizu with discovering silk when a cocoon fell into her tea and unraveled in hot water. From that moment, sericulture—silk farming using silkworms fed exclusively on white mulberry leaves—was born.
China guarded the secrets of silk production fiercely for centuries. Mulberry cultivation spread alongside the expansion of the Silk Road, a trade network connecting Asia with the Middle East and Europe. The tree’s presence in the Middle East, India, and the Mediterranean grew rapidly as demand for silk intensified.
Mulberries in Europe
By the medieval period, mulberries were being cultivated throughout Southern Europe. In Italy and France, kings and nobles encouraged the planting of mulberry trees to promote local silk industries. King James I of England famously planted thousands of mulberry trees in the early 1600s, though he mistakenly chose black mulberries rather than white, which silkworms don’t favor.
In addition to their role in silk production, mulberries became a common feature in monastery gardens and country estates, admired for their fruit and shade.
Mulberries in North America
Red mulberries (Morus rubra) are native to North America and were an important food source for Indigenous peoples. When European settlers arrived, they introduced white mulberries in an attempt to establish silk production in the New World. Although these efforts largely failed, both white and red mulberries continued to thrive in North American soils, sometimes even hybridizing.
Today, mulberries are often considered nostalgic—fruits of childhood summers, rural walks, and family gardens. They remain a symbol of abundance and seasonal pleasure.
Nutritional Benefits of Mulberries
Beyond their history and flavor, mulberries are loaded with nutrients. Here are just a few of the health benefits they offer you
Rich in Vitamin C: Essential for immune health and collagen production.
High in Iron: Helps in forming red blood cells and combating fatigue.
Packed with Antioxidants: Including anthocyanins, resveratrol, and chlorogenic acid, which fight oxidative stress and inflammation.
Source of Fiber: Promotes healthy digestion.
Supports Heart Health: Compounds in mulberries help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.
Whether eaten fresh or dried, mulberries provide a healthy snack or ingredient with a low glycemic index and a naturally sweet profile.
Cooking with Mulberries
Mulberries can be used in a wide range of culinary applications. Their juiciness and subtle tartness make them perfect for
Jams and preserves
Pies and tarts
Smoothies
Sorbets and ice creams
Salads
Sauces for poultry or pork
Wine and liqueurs
Baked goods, especially muffins!
Unlike many fruits, mulberries don’t store well when fresh, so they’re best used quickly after picking. Fortunately, they freeze well and retain flavor beautifully when dried.
Recipe, Mulberry Muffins
These soft, moist muffins highlight the natural sweetness and tang of fresh mulberries. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a midday snack with a cup of tea.
Ingredients
1 cup fresh or frozen mulberries (rinsed and drained)
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 large egg
½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
⅓ cup olive oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon (optional, adds brightness)
Cooking Instructions
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest (if using).
Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, oil (or butter), and vanilla extract.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Stir until just mixed—do not over-mix, as this can make muffins tough.
Fold in the mulberries gently to avoid breaking them too much, which can stain the batter (though purple muffins can be fun too!).
Fill muffin cups about ¾ full with the batter.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool for 10 minutes in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
If using frozen mulberries, do not thaw before mixing—this helps prevent bleeding into the batter.
Add a crumble topping of oats, butter, and brown sugar for an extra treat.
These muffins freeze well, wrap individually for a ready made breakfast option.
Growing Your Own Mulberries
If you love mulberries and have a bit of space, consider growing your own tree. They’re low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and produce fruit for decades. Choose the right variety for your climate—red mulberries are native to North America, while black mulberries thrive in Mediterranean-like conditions, like at Tenuta Le mandorlaiein Tuscany. White mulberries are more heat-resistant and can handle poor soils.
Trees can be grown from seed, but saplings will bear fruit sooner. Prune in winter to shape the tree and manage its size. Avoid planting near patios or driveways—the falling fruit stains!
Mulberries are more than just a seasonal fruit—they’re a link to ancient civilizations, a gift to your health, and a pleasure in any kitchen. Whether you forage them in the wild, grow them in your backyard, or buy them at a farmers’ market, mulberries bring flavor and history together in every bite.
Next time you find yourself with a bowlful of ripe mulberries, try the muffin recipe above. You’ll enjoy a taste of summer, nostalgia, and a little bit of history all in one.
