OR… WHY WE SHOULD LOVE THE MULBERRY.

These fruit trees can still be found gracing some of the older Atlanta neighborhoods like Inman Park. An area to look is along the Freedom Parkway Bike Path in Atlanta, Georgia, where I found this tree just before our wildlife friends discovered it. It is a big favorite with birds, squirrels, raccoons, possums and deer.

History records the Mulberry arriving in Georgia in the mid 1700’s in an attempt to establish a silk industry. The silkworms fed on the leaves of the fast growing Mulberry trees, however the labor intensive process failed to flourish. The Mulberry continued to be planted as a fruit bearing tree, and different varieties produce berries that can be white, pink, or red (actually deep purple as shown below) when ripe.

UPPER LEFT
Here is a ripe Mulberry on the tree, that has turned from a greenish white to red, and then to a deep rich purple color, like a blackberry. The leaves are darker than depicted here, a true green and shiny on top. This is an underneath view, backlit by sunlight, to show off the pretty serrated edged leaf shape, and give a lighter view of the dark shaded fruit.

UPPER RIGHT
I tried to pick them gently without mashing, but they were too juicy so my fingertips turned a purplish red. After a light rinse, I removed the little green stems.

LOWER LEFT
Then they go in the pie dough, which can be made or purchased. This is from Trader Joe’s for a quick option that turns out very well. All you need to add is just a light sprinkling of dark brown sugar, and not too much! The sweetness of the berries does the rest.

LOWER RIGHT
Folded up and baked and here it is. So good.

 

With special memories of Keith Robinson, and thanks to Paul Myrick for the pie dish/hostess gift!

 

 

All text and images ©Robin Davis