Mulberry Health Benefits for Fruit and Leaves - Nutrition, Cultivation

Mulberries originated China, but have been cultivated and selective bred in Europe and the rest of the world for hundreds of years. Mulberry trees are easy to grow and are very prolific with yields far exceeding those of other berries such as blueberries, cranberries, loganberries, raspberry and blackberry.

This article describes how to grow mulberries in your own garden and how to pick and use mulberry leaves and fruit.

It also includes the nutrition data and health benefits of mulberries compared with other berries. Mulberry leaves also have many health benefits and uses, which are described.

Enjoy your mulberries!

Mulberry trees are easy to grow and there are several varieties to choose from. Learn how to cultivate mulberries in your own garden
Mulberry trees are easy to grow and there are several varieties to choose from. Learn how to cultivate mulberries in your own garden. Source: Public Domain

Cultivating Mulberry Trees in Home Gardens

While red and white mulberry tree varieties are available, the traditional black fruit variety is generally the best choice for home gardens and small orchards. Black mulberries don't grow as large, though they need plenty of room and can grow to a height of 30 ft (10 m) with a canopy of 15 ft (5 m). They can be pruned to maintain a suitable shape and to keep the fruit reachable when harvesting. Black mulberries also last longer than other varieties and arguably have the best flavor.

Mulberries prefer a warm climate with good rainfall, but can do well in colder drier areas and even in exposed coastal areas, when planted in sheltered positions, shielded from strong winds. They prefer deep well-drained soil and appreciate regular doses of organic fertilisers and manure. However, larger mature trees can tolerate drought.

Ripe mulberries are very dark, soft and sweet, with a slight hint of tartness. Fresh mulberries do not keep well, and so pick them when needed, and eat them or cook or process them for freezing and preserving within a day or so of harvesting.

Fortunately, mulberries have a long picking and harvesting season, as all the fruit do not ripen at the same time and so you can enjoy picking fresh fruit over several weeks in later summer or early fall (autumn).

Uses of Mulberries

Nutrition Facts for Mulberries Compared with Other Berries

The table below summarises the nutrition data for 100 g of fresh mulberry compared with other berries - Blueberry, Raspberry and Blackberry. The major health benefits of mulberry fruit are:

Health Benefits of Mulberry Leaves and Tea

Mulberry leaves, made into a herbal tea has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Some of the claimed benefits are:

Nutrition Summary for 100 g of Mulberries Compared with Blueberry, Raspberry and Blackberry

Nutrients for 100 g Serving
Mulberry
Blueberry
Raspberry
Blackberry
Energy
43 Kcal
57 Kcal
52 Kcal
43 Kcal
Carbohydrates
9.80 g
14.49 g
11.94 g
9.61 g
Protein
1.44 g
0.74 g
1.20 g
1.39 g
Total Fat
0.39 g
0.33 g
0.65 g
0.49 g
Cholesterol
0 mg
0 mg
0 mg
0 mg
Dietary Fiber
1.7 g
2.4 g
6.5 g
5.3 g
Vitamins
 
 
 
 
Folates
6 mcg
6 mcg
21 mcg
25 mcg
Niacin
0.620 mg
0.418 mg
0.598 mg
0.646 mg
Pyridoxine
0.050 mg
0.052 mg
0.055 mg
0.030 mg
Riboflavin
0.101 mg
0.041 mg
0.038 mg
 
Vitamin A
25 IU
54 IU
33 IU
214 IU
Vitamin C
36.4 mg
9.7 mg
26.2 mg
21 mg
Vitamin E
0.87 mg
0.57 mg
1.42 mg
1.17 mg
Vitamin K
7.8 mcg
19.3 mcg
7.8 mcg
19.8 mcg
Electrolytes
 
 
 
 
Sodium
10 mg
1 mg
1 mg
1 mg
Potassium
194 mg
77 mg
151 mg
162 mg
Minerals
 
 
 
 
Calcium
39 mg
6 mg
25 mg
29 mg
Copper
60 mcg
 
90 mcg
165 mcg
Iron
1.85 mg
0.28 mg
0.69 mg
0.62 mg
Magnesium
18 mg
6 mg
22 mg
20 mg
Manganese
 
0.336 mg
0.670 mg
0.646 mg
Selenium
0.6 mcg
 
 
0.4 mcg
Zinc
0.12 mg
0.16 mg
0.42 mg
0.53 mg
Phyto-nutrients
 
 
 
 
Carotene-ß
9 mcg
32 mcg
12 mcg
128 mcg
Carotene, α
12 mcg
 
16 mcg
0 mcg
Lutein-zeaxanthin
136 mcg
80 mcg
136 mcg
118 mcg

Great Berry Recipes and Nutritional Information for Berries

=> Best Ever Galette Recipes - Apple, Blueberry, Potato, Fruit, Savory

=> Mexican Bunuelos Recipes with Fresh Berry Sauce and Fruit

=> Health Benefits of Blueberries and Blueberry Nutrition Facts Chart

=> Lingonberries Health Benefits -Lingonberry Nutrition Facts, Uses and Serving Tips





Mulberries are delightful fruit that are very healthy with many health benefits. Discover the nutritional benefits of mulberries here in this article
Mulberries are delightful fruit that are very healthy with many health benefits. Discover the nutritional benefits of mulberries here in this article. Source: Public Domain
Mulberry tree are prolific and there are many uses for the berries and leaves. Learn more here
Mulberry tree are prolific and there are many uses for the berries and leaves. Learn more here . Source: Public Domain
Mulberry pie is a delightful dish especially when made from fresh fruit, picked ripe from your own tree.
Mulberry pie is a delightful dish especially when made from fresh fruit, picked ripe from your own tree. Source: Public Domain
Mulberry pie is delicious and very good for you. See how mulberries compare with other berries for nutrition and health benefits.
Mulberry pie is delicious and very good for you. See how mulberries compare with other berries for nutrition and health benefits. Source: Public Domain
Fresh mulberry smoothies - so healthy and so refreshing - see other recipes here.
Fresh mulberry smoothies - so healthy and so refreshing - see other recipes here. Source: Public Domain
Mulberry, orange and almond tarts are delicious and so easy to make with fresh mulberries
Mulberry, orange and almond tarts are delicious and so easy to make with fresh mulberries. Source: Public Domain
Mulberry jam is a wonderful way to use the excess harvest from your mulberry tree
Mulberry jam is a wonderful way to use the excess harvest from your mulberry tree. Source: Public Domain
Chocolate Tart with sweet fresh Mulberry fruit - delightful combination.
Chocolate Tart with sweet fresh Mulberry fruit - delightful combination. Source: Public Domain
Ice Cream with Sweet Corn and Fresh Mulberry Compote - what a treat.
Ice Cream with Sweet Corn and Fresh Mulberry Compote - what a treat.. Source: Public Domain