Knowing exactly when to pick mulberries is the single biggest factor for getting the best flavor from your tree. If you pick them to early, they’ll be tart and lack sweetness, but wait to long and they can become mushy and bland. This guide will walk you through the simple signs of perfect ripeness so you can harvest berries at their absolute peak.
Mulberries don’t continue to ripen after picking, unlike some other fruits. That means timing is everything. A berry picked at the right moment will be a burst of sweet, complex flavor, while one picked just a day early can be disappointing. Let’s look at how to get it right every time.
When To Pick Mulberries
This is your core rule: mulberries are ready when they are fully colored, plump, and detach with little to no effort. They will not ripen further once off the branch. Use the methods below to check.
The Color Test: Know Your Variety
First, you need to know what color your ripe mulberries should be. Different varieties turn different shades when ready.
- Black Mulberries: These will be a deep, almost blackish purple when fully ripe. They are often considered the most flavorful.
- Red Mulberries: Look for a deep, dark red color. A light or bright red berry is not yet ready.
- White Mulberries: These ripen to a creamy, off-white or pale lavender shade. They are sweet but more subtle in flavor.
A general tip is that no mulberry is ready when it’s any shade of green. Wait for the full, final color.
The Touch and Feel Method
Color alone isn’t enough. A ripe mulberry should feel plump and full under a very gentle squeeze. It should have a slight give, but not be soft or squishy. If it feels firm, it needs more time. If it feels mushy, you’ve probably missed the window.
The Ultimate Test: The Ease of Picking
This is the most reliable method. A perfectly ripe mulberry will practically fall into your hand. Here’s what to do:
- Gently place your fingers under a berry.
- Give a very slight tug or simply lift it.
- If the berry drops off its stem easily, it’s ripe.
- If you have to pull or twist, leave it for another day.
Ripe berries will often leave a tiny, clean circular scar on the stem. If you see a bit of stem still attached to the berry, it was picked to early.
Taste One (The Best Part)
When in doubt, taste a berry from the tree. It should be sweet with a rich, berry flavor. If it’s tart, tangy, or has little flavor, the others at a similar stage need more time. Trust your taste buds—they’re a great guide.
Timing Your Harvest
Mulberries ripen over a period of several weeks, not all at once. You’ll need to check your tree every day or two during the season.
- Time of Day: Harvest in the cool of the morning after the dew has dried. Berries picked in the heat of the afternoon are more fragile.
- After Rain: Avoid picking immediately after heavy rain, as the berries will be waterlogged and more prone to tearing.
- Watch for Dropping: A ripe mulberry will naturally fall from the tree. If you see many dark berries on the ground under your tree, it’s a clear sign the ones above are ready.
How to Pick Without Making a Mess
Mulberries are juicy and stain easily. Wear old clothes and maybe even gloves. Lay a clean sheet or tarp under the tree to catch any berries that fall during picking—these are often the ripest ones! Gently roll the berries off into your hand to avoid crushing them.
What to Avoid: Signs of Overripe Berries
It’s just as important to know when a berry is past its prime. Here’s what to look out for:
- Excessively soft, mushy, or leaking juice.
- A dull, wrinkled, or shrunken appearance.
- A fermented or wine-like smell.
- Presence of small fruit flies or other insects, which are attracted to overripe fruit.
These berries are best composted, as their flavor will be off.
Storing Your Perfect Harvest
Mulberries are very perishable. To keep that best flavor you worked so hard for, handle them with care.
- Don’t Wash Until Ready to Use: Moisture speeds up spoilage. Keep them dry until you’re ready to eat or cook with them.
- Use Shallow Containers: Place berries in a single layer or just a few layers deep in a shallow dish or container. Piling them high in a bowl will crush the bottom ones.
- Refrigerate Immediately: Store them in the fridge, covered loosely. They’ll keep for 2-3 days this way.
- For Longer Storage: Freeze them! Spread clean, dry berries on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This preserves their flavor beautifully for months.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Sometimes, even with perfect picking, things can go a bit wrong. Here’s some simple advice.
- Berries are bland: This is usually due to picking to early, lack of sun during growing, or sometimes an issue with the soil. Ensure your tree gets full sun for the sweetest fruit.
- Berries are tart: Almost certainly underripe. Wait for deeper color and easier picking.
- Stains on hands: Rub with a ripe lemon wedge or a paste of baking soda and water. Wearing gloves next time is easier!
FAQs: Picking Mulberries for Flavor
Q: Can you pick mulberries when they are red?
A: For red varieties, yes, when they are a very dark, almost black-red. For black varieties, a red berry is not ripe. Always wait for the full, final color.
Q: How do I stop birds from eating all my mulberries?
A: Birds love them too! Netting is the most effective solution. Cover the tree with bird netting just as the first berries start to color.
Q: Is it okay to eat mulberries straight from the tree?
A> Absolutely! Just give them a quick visual check. That’s one of the great joys of having a mulberry tree. Enjoying them fresh is the best way to taste their true flavor.
Q: My berries are falling off green. What’s wrong?
A: This can be caused by natural fruit drop (the tree sheds some to support others), lack of water, or pest stress. Ensure the tree is well-watered during dry spells and look for signs of insects.
By following these simple, observation-based tips, you’ll consistently harvest mulberries at their flavorful best. The key is patience and daily checking during the season. The reward is a harvest of sweet, juicy berries perfect for eating fresh, baking, or preserving to enjoy that summery taste long after the season ends.