Mulberry (Mulberry tree, Mulberry) : High in economic value
Mulberry cultivation began about 2,500 years ago. Today, this plant with its unique fruit grows worldwide.
The mulberry tree belongs to the mulberry family. It is also called the mulberry or Morus. It can be wild or grown by people. These trees usually live for 200 years, but some can live 300-500 years. Mulberry trees are not poisonous.
Young trees grow fast, but their growth slows as they age.
Mulberry fruits are eaten fresh or cooked. The juicy pulp can fill pies or flavor drinks, jams, and syrups. The berries are rich in resveratrol, a strong antioxidant.
They also contain glucose, fructose, and vitamins C, E, PP, and K. Sugar makes up about 20% of the fruit, while acids are less than 2%. In Asia, the fruits are dried, ground into flour, and used to make dough.
Mulberry berries have medicinal uses. They can help with stomach problems, tonsillitis, and pneumonia. A tea made from the bark can kill worms. Leaf tea may help with high blood pressure.
The strong, heavy wood is also valuable. It is used to make instruments and in carpentry. Since 2011, Russia has limited how much mulberry wood can be harvested.
Some North American areas ban mulberry planting. This is because male trees make a lot of pollen. The pollen can be dangerous for people with asthma.
However, only male trees release pollen. Female trees take pollen from the air.