Difference Between White Mulberry and Red Mulberry
Table of Contents
Berries are soft round fruits. They are usually a combination of sweet or sour and serve delicious smoothies, jams, and desserts. The colorful smoothies or desserts have great nutritious value and are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Incorporating berries in our diet prevents chronic diseases. They are eaten both fresh and dried.
Mulberry is a good source of iron and vitamin C. Mulberries are fruits from mulberry trees. Mulberry is usually black, red, or white and is grown in Asia and North America. The leaves of the tree are the only food that silkworms eat. Mulberry is usually utilized to make wines, jams, juices, or dried and eaten as a snack. The white and red mulberry looks like Siamese twins at a glance. They both are edible berries and are grown on small trees. When we closely scrutinize, there is a striking difference between both these berries.
White Mulberry vs Red Mulberry
The main difference between white mulberry and red mulberry is that white mulberry is enjoyable while eating but preferred in baking and preservatives. Red Mulberry is sizeable, sweeter and, eating off the branch is yummy.
White mulberry is a tree native to Asia cultivated for the leaves, fruit bark, and roots. White mulberry has medicinal properties and has been utilized for a long time to treat ailments. Research suggests it helps to block the growth of cancer cells, lower blood sugar and cholesterol.
The Appalachia region in the Eastern United States utilizes red mulberry for delicious pies, jams, wines and, juice. Red mulberry is native to North America. Red mulberry trees enjoy the shade and, commonly found in the understory of a forest.
Comparison Table Between White Mulberry and Red Mulberry
| Parameters of Comparison | White Mulberry | Red Mulberry |
| Origin | China | Eastern United States |
| Colour of the Fruit | The ripe white mulberry is creamy-white. | The ripe red mulberry is reddish black. |
| Leaf | The leaves of white mulberry are bright green and the leaf lobes are rounded. | The leaves are dark green and the leaf lobes are pointed. |
| Bud | In the white mulberry, the buds are small and have brown bands. | In the red mulberry, the buds are large and flattened. |
| Taste | The white mulberry is less sweet. | The red mulberry fruit is sweet. |
What is White Mulberry?
White Mulberry (Morus Alba) is native to China. North America bought cultivation in the 19th century to boost the silk industry. The leaves of the mulberry tree are the favorite food of the silkworm. The idea did not take off as expected due to the cost factors of producing silk. White mulberry is intolerant to shade.
It is like a weedy species commonly found in abandoned fields or as fence rows. White mulberry is a small tree and reaches up to 40 feet. The white mulberry is black or purple. Once they mature, they are creamy-white. White mulberry leaves are generally bright green and shiny above.
The chief veins underneath the leaves are more prominent compared to red mulberry. White mulberry buds are smaller and more doomed in the middle. Tennis rackets, hockey sticks, furniture, and boats use white mulberry wood since it is flexible. The white mulberry is less sweet, small, and lighter in color.
The powdered leaves have medicinal value. It helps in treating diabetes, cholesterol, and even the common cold. There could be side effects if taken in larger quantities. It could be mild diarrhea, dizziness, constipation. There is no proof of white mulberry causing any allergies, but in rare cases, it may occur.
What is Red Mulberry?
The Red Mulberry(Morus Rubra) cultivated in Southern Indiana prefers moist, wooded slopes and shady roadways. It is resistant to shade. It is found as a small understory tree and can attain a height of 60 feet. Red Mulberry is dull, dark green-colored leaves rough on the top and hairy beneath.
The red mulberry bud is large and flattened, and a single fruit hangs on the twig. The red mulberry fruit is large and sweet and generally reddish black when ripe. The Native Americans love red mulberry in their beverages, bread, and cakes.
The Appalachia region fondly uses red mulberry and enjoys the wine, jam, and pies. Red Mulberry is a worming agent or treats dysentery. The durable wood helps build fence posts, furniture, caskets, and the Native Americans utilize the inner bark to make thread and ropes.
Red mulberry is a large and sweet berry and favorite food of few birds and small mammals like a raccoon, squirrels.
Main Differences Between White Mulberry and Red Mulberry
Conclusion
The mulberry originated in China and was imported to America as it was the favorite food of the silkworm. The silkworm did not last, but mulberry did flourish. It is generally considered a weed tree due to the mess it causes after the birds eat the fruit.
The white mulberry tree is short, and the mature fruit is purple. The red mulberry tree is tall, and the ripe fruit is reddish black. The white mulberry grows in a cluster, and the red mulberries are found single on the branches. Many prefer the white mulberry for baking and preserves, and the red mulberry is sweet and relishing.
Mulberries are vibrant colored berries rich in Iron, Vitamin C fiber, calcium and, a few plant elements. It is delicious to eat as a dried snack or even fresh. Medicinally it is associated with reducing cholesterol blood pressure and even reduces cancer risk.
Mulberries are considered a superfood with natural sweetness. The amount of protein and iron provided is considerably higher than any other fruit. They are rich in antioxidants. Both white and red mulberries are delightful, delicious delicacies cherished by everyone.
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