These Berries Grow on Trees! Mulberries!
Post sponsored by Welcome to PDX Real Estate Agent, Deb
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Post sponsored by Welcome to PDX Real Estate Agent, Deb 〰️
Mulberries- What are they?
Contrary to the children’s song about going around the mulberry “bush”, mulberries actually grow on trees! Mulberry trees take roughly 3-5 years to produce fruit after planting from seed. Fun fact: mulberry trees produce a lot of allergy-triggering pollen, which is why certain cities have made it illegal to plant new mulberry trees.
White mulberry harvest in East PDX
When & how to Harvest
Mulberries typically start to ripen between late June and August, though not all the mulberries on a tree will ripen at once. Ripe mulberries are fully colored and soft, and will start falling off the tree. This is why mulberries are most easily harvested by placing a tarp or old sheet underneath the tree and shaking the branches to release the fruit. Mulberries will stain sidewalks and fabric, so plan accordingly when planting trees and harvesting.
what do they taste like?
In the U.S, you will find white and purple/black mulberry trees. Related to blackberries, mulberries also have a sweet-tart flavor, but with notes of spice and citrus. Black/purple mulberries tend to be more tart, while white ones will taste more sweet.
How to Store
Because ripe mulberries tend to be very moist and tend to get beaten up during harvest, they will not last long after being picked. However, shelf life can be extended to a few days by storing the unwashed berries in the refrigerator in a container lined with paper towels.
Preserve the Harvest
Similar to other berries, mulberries can be frozen by washing them and placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and placing them in the freezer. As mulberries can be quite bruised and dirty after harvesting, juicing and straining the berries to reserve for jelly or syrup. If relatively clean, the whole fruit can also be canned as jam, or dehydrated.
Do you have extra and need help?
Talk to your neighbors! It’s a great way to meet them and you can share your abundance hyper locally!
Donate it through Portland Fruit Tree Project’s Fruit Fridge! Harvest and drop off at your convenience and we’ll get it all used up!
Can’t harvest it? Register for us to come harvest for you!
Take the next step with Portland Fruit Tree Project!
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