Mulberry vs. Blackberry: The Non-Identical Twins
Mulberries and blackberries look strikingly similar, but they have different uses and flavors. They’re precisely like non-identical twins, the same shape but not the same properties.
So, when comparing mulberry vs. blackberry, which one is the suitable choice for your next recipe? Read on to find out!
So see a list of different berry styles.
A Detailed Comparison Between Mulberry and Blackberry
Mulberries and blackberries aren’t the same fruit, and they don’t belong to the same family, contrary to common belief.
Here‘s a detailed comparison between the two berries and their properties.
Shape
Mulberries and blackberries are similar in shape, but there are some little giveaways. For example, blackberries are smaller and more fragile. Mulberries have a more oval shape, contrary to the blackberry’s round form.
On top of that, mulberries have a dark red color, while blackberries lean more towards dark purple. The color difference might not be evident except if you cut the fruits in half.
It’s also worth noting that blackberries have different colors throughout their life phases. When they’re not ripe, they’ll be green, and then they’ll slowly progress to a red color. Then, when they’re mature, the red color will change to a dark purple that looks like black from a distance.
Flavor
Blackberries are sweet; their taste is close to strawberries, but they have a tangy edge. Meanwhile, mulberries have a grassier taste, and they taste more like vegetables than fruits. They’re still sweet, but not as much as blackberries.
If you’re using mulberries for desserts, you’ll have to add a lot of sugar to compensate for the taste. In comparison, you won’t have to do that with blackberries.
Uses
Both blackberries and mulberries can be used in desserts, but as I briefly mentioned, mulberries need a lot of sugar. Their taste isn’t sweet enough to be used alone, but you can mix them with other berries for the best flavor.
Blackberries are generally a better option for baking pies and pancakes. They also serve well for jam and jelly.
Mulberries taste best when mixed with blackberries. Meanwhile, blackberries are at their sweetest when they’re used alongside raspberries. The raspberries provide some sourness to the extra sweet taste, accounting for a balanced flavor overall.
Origin
Blackberries come from bushes, not from trees. Meanwhile, mulberries only grow on deciduous trees. That’s considered the significant difference between both because they grow in completely different conditions.
Blackberries grow like most other berries in vines or on trellis stakes. Unfortunately, that makes them prone to deer attacks in home gardens.
Mulberries don’t share the same issue because they grow on high trees, so they’re hard to reach.
While blackberries keep fruiting year after year, mulberry trees may take years to grow fully and be able to produce fruits. They’re considered fast because they need less than ten years to develop, though.Fun fact: mulberry leaves are the only food silkworms feed on. So, countries with more mulberry trees will have better silkworm trades because they’ll have plenty of food to offer.