The white mulberry tree (Morus alba), also known as the white mulberry, common mulberry or silkworm mulberry, is a fast-growing small to medium-sized tree mainly distributed in China and India. The white mulberry tree is famous for its fruit, which can be eaten when ripe. However, in addition to its delicious fruit, the white mulberry tree has many unexpected uses.
White mulberry trees have a long history of cultivation in ancient times, dating back 4,700 years. It is not only an important crop for sericulture, but also a plant with multiple values such as medicine, feed and building material.
The fruit of the white mulberry tree varies in color from white to purple and has a sweet but relatively bland flavor, lacking the strong flavor of other types of mulberries. After harvesting, these fruits may be difficult to preserve due to their thin skin, but their processing value is considerable. For example, many places make white mulberries into concentrated syrups, liquors, and even desserts.
In Azerbaijan, the fruit of the white mulberry tree is made into a thick syrup called "doshab", while in China, it can be made into a tea called "Sangsheng Paste", which is loved by the local people. .
As the main feed for silkworms, the leaves of the white mulberry tree are rich in protein and energy and are of great significance to sericulture and animal husbandry. Mulberry leaves are also used in traditional Chinese medicine and are believed to lower blood sugar and improve vision, providing a natural supplement for diabetics. This also promoted the widespread cultivation of white mulberry trees, which became an important part of the agricultural economy.
In addition to feeding silkworms, the leaves of the white mulberry tree can be used as feed for livestock and have attracted attention for their benefits to animal health.
The wood of the white mulberry tree is also commercially valuable, especially in India, where it is used to make sports equipment, furniture and agricultural tools. Due to its tough and durable texture, it is widely used in various daily necessities.
In addition to its economic value, white mulberry trees also play an important role in horticulture and landscaping. The fruitless white mulberry varieties, in particular, make good choices for landscaping, especially in urban settings where shade is needed. This makes the white mulberry tree popular in parks and residential areas in many North American cities.
While white mulberry provides a variety of benefits, it is also important to be aware of the health risks of its consumption. Some studies have shown that consuming too much white mulberry leaf may cause discomfort, so caution should be exercised when using it.
White mulberry trees are not only a source of deliciousness, but also an important resource for many industries, from sericulture to building materials. What other unexpected benefits can people get from them?
The diverse uses of the white mulberry tree make it a very valuable plant, from its fruit to its leaves to its wood applications, the value of the white mulberry tree is far beyond our imagination. What other possibilities can we explore for using white mulberry trees in the future?