Summer Forage: Mulberries

Summertime is peak mulberry season. And fortunately for Hoosiers, this berry is abundant in Indiana. Mulberry trees are typically found in residential areas, at the edge of the woods or along unruly fencerows, and they will typically be near a water source like a creek. Mulberries are about one half inch to one inch long and come in all shades of white, red, and black.

Compared to other berries, mulberries don’t have a very strong flavor. Their taste is similar to a mild-flavored blackberry. However, this makes them very versatile when cooking. Use them just as you would any other berry – in pies, jams, cobblers, oatmeal, breads, smoothies, etc. Mulberries can also be used in savory dishes. Simmered down and strained, mulberry juice is a great sauce for steak or it could be used in a vinaigrette for salad.

What these berries lack in taste, they make up for in nutrients. Mulberries are very high in antioxidants, and they contain large amounts of Vitamin C, high levels of iron, and dietary fiber.