How to Save Mulberries

Mulberries look like blackberries in shape and sometimes color, but these small fruits are unrelated and have a different flavor than blackberries. The berries grow on the mulberry tree or shrub. White and red berry varieties reach maturity in late spring. The dark purple, blackberry-like varieties are ready for harvest in summer. Use the fruits as you do blackberries and other small fruits in pies, baked goods or jams. Mulberries have a short fresh storage life, but freezing allows you to save them for a year or longer. Does this Spark an idea?

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Food container
Colander
Baking tray
Storage bag

Instructions

- 1
  
  Harvest the mulberries when they are completely ripe and firm. Avoid bruised and damaged fruits, as they don't store well. Mulberries typically fall from the plant once they reach peak maturity.
- 2
  
  Place unwashed mulberries in a shallow container. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week. Washing leaves moisture on the berries, which shortens their refrigerated storage life.
- 3
  
  Rinse the mulberries in a colander with cold water to freeze them for longer storage. Allow them to drain and dry in the colander.
- 4
  
  Spread the mulberry fruits out on a baking tray in a single layer. Arrange the mulberries so they don't touch, otherwise they stick together during freezing.
- 5
  
  Freeze the mulberries on the tray for 2 to 4 hours, or until they are hard. Transfer them to a freezer storage bag and use them in 12 to 18 months.

Tips & Warnings

Spread a sheet under the mulberry tree when it starts dropping fruit. The mulberries land on the sheet, allowing you to collect them easily.
Use stored mulberries frozen, or thaw them in the refrigerator first.