White mulberryis a tree that is undemanding and easy to grow. The leaves are a huge advantage of this plant. Beautifully colored in autumn, they also show healing properties.Mulberry leaf teais perfect for diabetics and people who are on a diet. But mulberry fruit is also worth using in the kitchen. Find out more about theproperties of white mulberryand check ifmulberry cultivationwill succeed in your garden.
White mulberry - Morus alba
White mulberry - medicinal and ornamental properties
White mulberry(Morus alba) is a deciduous tree reaching approx. 15 m in height. In May, young leaves appear on it, which turn intensely yellow in October, and fall in winter.White mulberry fruitsare edible, similar in shape and size to raspberries, white in color. They ripen at the end of July and fall spontaneously from the tree.
White mulberryis often found in parks and landscape settings. However, there are many interesting varieties among the species, so it is worthdecorative properties of mulberryto be appreciated by home garden owners. Gardenvarieties of white mulberryare usually not tall, they can take various shapes - from weeping ones to dense spherical ones. One of the most effective varieties iswhite mulberry 'Pendula'
White mulberry 'Pendula'has a dense umbrella-like crown and shoots hanging down to the ground. The diameter of the crown is approx. 3 m, and the height of the tree depends on the height of the grafting site (usually at1 - 2 m). The leaves are large, heart-shaped, green in color. The plant is perfect for small gardens, where it will be an interesting accent.
White mulberryis also used in pharmacology, processing and carpentry. This plant is an excellent material for the production of furniture due to the hardness of its wood.
Thehealing properties of white mulberry have been known for centuriesIn traditional Chinese medicine, white mulberry leaves have been used to lower cholesterol and high blood pressure.White mulberry leavesare also characterized by a high content of compounds with antioxidant activity, show antipyretic and diuretic properties. They were mainly used in the form ofmulberry teaor decoctions. Medicinal properties were also shown by extracts of mulberry bark and root, protecting the liver and kidneys. Withwhite mulberry fruityou can make juices, liqueurs, liqueurs or jams.
White mulberry - cultivation in Poland
Cultivation of white mulberry in Polandis not very burdensome, therefore this tree is often used for planting in parks or in the streets. This fact proves its resistance to drought and pollution. It is also not very sensitive to diseases and pests. The only conditions that must be absolutely ensured for mulberries are a sunny position and light, fertile soil with a neutral pH. Come onwhite mulberryis relatively resistant to low temperatures, it is better to plant it in places sheltered from the wind. Avoid cultivating mulberries in the north-eastern part of Poland.
White mulberrydoes not require intensive fertilization, we should limit it to the necessary minimum, giving a single dose of fertilizer in spring. Universal mineral fertilizers and compost can be used. We water as needed.
White mulberry planting
White mulberry plantingis best done in spring or autumn. At the same time, we should not forget to provide a suitable position and fertilize the soil with compost or well-composted manure.The plant is planted 5-10 cm deeper than it was growing so far. Until it takes root and strengthens, it requires attachment to the support.
Cutting white mulberry
A very important care treatment in mulberry cultivation is cutting, to which the plant reacts quite well.White mulberry cuttingis performed in winter and early spring. Crown formation begins in the nursery but should be continued in the first years after planting. We lead the trunk out and shape the main branches. It is also worth making sanitary pruning, which involves cutting dry and broken branches.
White mulberry leaf tea
Tea from white mulberry leaveshas been known for a long time. In the Far East, drinking this infusion is widely used. Dietary supplements containing extracts of white mulberry leaves and fruits are available in Polish stores. The substances contained in mulberry leaves lower blood sugar levels by limiting the metabolism of complex sugars.So mulberry leaves help us lose weight. They are also woven for diabetics.
Harvesting and drying mulberry leaves
White mulberry leavesthat we are going to use for tea should be green, without signs of disease. We harvest in spring in mid-May, in clear weather. Young leaves are especially recommended for infusions. We dry them on paper, leaving them in a ventilated, slightly darkened place. We can also dry the leaves in the oven at 40 ° C.
How to brew white mulberry leaf tea?
White mulberry teais best drunk daily before a meal. The recommended dose is approx. 3 teaspoons of dried leaves per glass of water. Pour boiling water over the leaves and leave for 10 minutes, covered.
Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use infusions of mulberry leaves.
MSc Eng. Joanna Białowąs
