Mulberry

Mulberry is a plant that finds its origin in the Orient, it is however common in the whole of the Mediterranean. It can reach up to 10-12 m height and an average age of 100 years. The Latin name “morus” derives from Celtic “mor”: black (colour of the fruit). Romans used to call it “morus celsa”: tall mulberry as opposed to blueberry. It was known for its medical properties . Pliny narrates that the Romans used to use the unripe fruits of mulberry to stop bleeding and the ripe ones mixed with honey, myrrh and saffron, were against sore throat and stomach ache. Latin poets like Pliny and Oratio talk about mulberry , it is also depicted in Pompei. The berries ripen between August-September: they are black-purple, glossy and juicy, the taste is sweet. The berries are used as table fruits or as part of cakes. The “mulberry granita” is famous.