not far from the tree

Mulberries, Morus spp., native to warm and tropical areas of each continent have a long history of medicinal use. Used for centuries in Chinese and folklore medicine, as a remedy for many kinds of diseases, these little gems qualify as a group of fruit.

They can be found clumped together in long and short varieties. Ranging from white, burgundy to black in color and insipid to sugary in flavour, all are beneficial for their antioxiding polyphenols. These powerful phytochemicals known specifically as anthocyanidins especially persistent in all dark-colored berries, have been extensively researched for different healthful properties, from blood-thinning to natural liver cleanser.

A specifically potent antioxidant called resveritrol benefits adrenal function, therefore helping buffer stress in the body. High breeding ability holds promise in the functional food industry, but for lovers of slow food and ancient-strains, such as myself, mulberries are a Dionysian dream, rivalling the grape in their wine-making potential, and the pomegranate in cancer-fighting juice.

Millie Lytle BA, ND, C. Ht., is a licensed naturopathic doctor and psychotherapist and research practitioner. She keeps up her own healthful blog when not studying in Germany. While there, she has kindly agreed to dispense knowledge about fruit for Not Far From The Tree.