Destemming mulberries?

[Deb Mc]

While out hiking, I found a wild mulberry bush that is producing a small amount of berries. I've picked a small amount (enough for making with pancakes), but a question has arisen: How do you de-stem these little stinkers without squishing the berries?

Also, does anyone know if there are an farms that have "U-pick" for mulberries like they do for blueberries and strawberries?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Deemy]

I freeze elderberries and that makes them easier to destem when frozen. Have a try freezing them. Just a guess.

 

[nannygoat]

the problem with mulberries is that they produce over a long period - at least our trees do and the best here are when they are almost black and they almost drop in your hand - yes the stems are a pain but I have not tried the freezing - they are not so soft that the stems are hard to take off but maybe our trees are different - we normally do not take the time to pick them but of course we would in a situation they would be needed - we leave them for the chickens and goats - our goats end up with purple mouths and the chickens poop is purple black - we hope we can take some slips with us when we move but do not know how they would do in the cooler climate - worth a try because the trees sure grow fast

 

[Deemy]

Nannygoat, I live in Pa and mulberries grow here! I'm in zone 5

 

[Deb Mc]

Deemy,

Thanks! I'll give freezing a try then...

 

[Para36]

We have some wild mulberry trees as well some russian mulberry trees which self seeded from a nursery purchased tree at another location and that I transplanted. The original nursery purchased tree bore black berries when ripe whereas some of the second generation trees bear black berries when ripe and others bear berries that turn from white to light pink when ripe. All taste the same and are quite sweet. The wild trees grow to 15 feet or so and produce round small berries. The russians grow larger and produce larger elongated berries.
The stems on all of ours are small and soft and we never try to separate them but we have only eaten them fresh. Seems not worth the trouble to pick enough for processing from ladders. But I'm sure we would if fruits became scarce.

 

[Deemy]

I planted a new variety called a weeping mulberry this spring. It grows 6ft tall and then downturns. Even as short as I am I can reaach to grab the fruits! It picture in the catalog show an opening under the weeping part as a play tent type opening for kids.

 

[Deb Mc]

Thanks all for the info, very much appreciated!


Deemy,

That's pretty neat! What nursery did you order it from?

 

[Deemy]

I ordered it from www.raintreenursery.comI was pleased with the shipping container(it was a triangle) but not pleased with the guarantee. Try www.onegreenworld.com. They have the same unusual plants and understand they treat the customers and their help alot better than Raintree. Haven't ordered from them yet but next spring I will.

 

[Deb Mc]

Deemy,

Thanks! I've requested one of their catalogs. They have fascinating plantings. Can't wait til the catalog arrives...