2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
The mulberry / Morus nigra L. / is a genus of angiosperms that belong to the family Chernichevi. This group includes about 10 trees, which are mainly distributed in the subtropical parts of Europe, Asia, America and Africa.
These trees reach a height of about 15 meters, have a spreading crown, heavily grooved bark and a thick stem. Their leaves are green and the fruits reach sizes between 3-5 cm. They are oblong, tasty with juicy, with short stalks and many seeds. The fruits of mulberry ripen between mid-June to early July.
The mulberry is believed to have been brought from India. It is cultivated in our country, but it can also be found wild. Mulberries are those sweet fruits that take us back to the warm summer months, when they ripen and hang from the heavy branches waiting to be tasted. They combine a number of useful substances, have a slightly strange, but by no means bad taste.
Types of mulberry
In our country there are two most common types of mulberry. These are the black mulberry / Morus nigra L. / and the white mulberry / Morus alba L. / The leaves of the white mulberry are larger and shiny, with rough hairs. It grows in warm places. About 160 tons of mulberries are harvested annually in Bulgaria.
Composition of mulberry
The fruits of mulberry are extremely rich in vitamins. The content of vitamin A, C and B2 is especially high. Of the minerals, phosphorus, sodium, potassium and magnesium are best represented. Mulberry contains peptin and pectose.
Mulberry leaves contain aspartic acid, calcium carbonate, adenines, peptone and glucose.
100 g mulberry contain 43 calories, 9.8 g carbohydrates, 88 ml water, 1.44 g protein, 1.7 g fiber, 0.4 g fat.
Selection and storage of mulberry
Fresh mulberries can be found only in the summer months. Blueberries are a very perishable fruit, so their processing or consumption should be done immediately after harvesting / purchase. If you want to pick mulberry yourself, spread a clean canvas under the tree and branches and shake it.
However, to eat extremely tasty and unharmed mulberry, it is best to tear it off yourself. Remember that black mulberries color a lot. In some organic stores you can find dried mulberrieswhich must have a label with product information.
Mulberry in cooking
In addition to fresh, mulberries can be consumed in other forms. They are prepared on compotes, jam, syrups, wine and jelly. It is possible to freeze. They are also used to make delicious juices and syrups.
We present you a very tasty and easy recipe for black mulberry jam. For this you need 5 kg mulberry and 1.5 kg of sugar.
Method of preparation: Wash and clean the fruit well, then crush it well with a large wooden spoon or pass it through a meat grinder. Boil them with half a liter of water on low heat, stirring constantly. Add the sugar and cook until completely thickened. Pour into small jars, seal and sterilize for about 5-10 minutes.
Benefits of mulberry
As we have learned, the fruits of mulberry are rich in many vitamins, which is why they are part of many recipes from our folk medicine. Mulberry has laxative and expectorant, diuretic, laxative, hypoglycemic and sedative effects. It is often used in conditions such as bronchitis and the initial form of diabetes.
Mulberry leaves are used to prepare decoctions that are useful for shortness of breath, avitaminosis, as well as for strengthening the immune system. The roots and bark of the tree itself have a beneficial effect on sexual weakness. Consumption of mulberry is believed to be particularly beneficial for cardiovascular activity.
Folk medicine with mulberry
For mulberry infusion you need 2 tbsp. fruits, which are flooded with 400 ml of boiling water and left covered for about 1 hour. Take the infusion 4 times a day, preferably before meals.
If you want a decoction of mulberry, pour 1 tbsp. finely chopped leaves with 250 ml of boiling water. Allow to cool and strain. Take in small sips throughout the day. Mulberry decoction is a great remedy for irregular menstruation and, as already mentioned for shortness of breath, beriberi and for general strengthening of the body.
Harm from mulberry
No serious dangers of mulberry consumption have been identified, but it is important to know that depending on the amount of fruit eaten, constipation can occur if they are not ripe enough or if they are too ripe for the opposite to happen.
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Healing Properties Of Mulberry
The mulberry was brought to Europe from China. There are two types of mulberry in Bulgaria - black and white. Mulberry fruits are a valuable raw material for both industry and the household, where, in addition to eating fresh, they also serve as a medicinal and cosmetic product.
Mulberry Decoction Lowers Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can be regulated not only with medication but also with herbal decoctions - folk medicine helps with this condition. Before taking such treatment, be sure to consult a doctor. One of the commonly used herbs to regulate high blood pressure is blood geranium.
Health Benefits Of Mulberry
Mulberry is juicy, slightly tart in taste and has many health benefits. We distinguish three types of mulberry: white mulberry, native to eastern and central China, red mulberry (American mulberry) from the eastern United States, and black mulberry, which is native to western Asia.
Folk Medicine With Delicious Mulberry
White and black mulberry are widespread in Bulgaria, otherwise there are about ten varieties. Both species, known in our country, are very rich in vitamins, they also contain phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, pectin and others.
White Mulberry Helps With Shortness Of Breath And Diabetes
Did you know that white mulberry can be of great benefit to you expectoration because it has a deuretic effect. People with upset stomachs, diabetes and bronchitis need to know this. Mulberry decoction is recommended to regulate irregular menstruation.
