The Mulberry

Here we go round the mulberry bush, the mulberry bush, the mulberry bush, Here we go round the mulberry bush, On a cold and frosty morning.

Most people remember the popular nursery rhyme “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush,” and yet, the mulberry is rarely seen in the fresh produce department of most grocery stores. A small fruit that usually grows to be about an inch long, the mulberry is typically white or a pale color when immature turning pink, red, and then a dark purple or black when fully ripened looking remarkably similar to a blackberry when mature.

The dried white mulberry is often easier to find in stores. This tiny super fruit starts and stays white as it ripens and has a sweet but milder and more delicate flavor than the darker variety. Often grown in eastern Asia and specifically, Turkey, the dried white mulberry tastes similar to a dried fig with a chewy yet slightly crunchy texture, like a raisin.

So, what’s a foodie to do with a dried mulberry? Sprinkle over oatmeal, blend with other dried fruit, add to a homemade trail mix, or stir into the batter of baked goods including muffins, oatmeal cookies, or quick breads. Instead of raisins or dried cranberries, toss a few mulberries on cereal or add to a salad or pilaf for a nice change. Sweet, moist, and delicious, a few mulberries go a long way. With 3 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber per ounce, mulberries are an excellent source of Vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Mulberries can be purchased in most health food stores and are usually located with other dried fruits. Navitas Naturals sells dried mulberries in a 4 pouch for about $5-$6 and an 8 ounce pouch for $9-$11, depending on the vendor. Order directly through the company:  www.navitasnaturals.com or through www.vitacost.com, www.swansonvitamins.com, or www.amazon.com. Organic mulberries can also be purchased from www.nuts.com for $11.99 per pound.