up a Mulberry

Sweetest end to a run with the dogs yesterday – happened upon a Mulberry tree ( a red Mulberry, I believe), of significant age. Standing at least 40 feet tall, my neck craned and arms stretched to reach into the tree’s delectable, dainty black fruits; they showered me  gently, albeit leaving a red smudge or two, as I pulled the branches closer. Enjoyed only for the moment of picking and popping into mouth . . . of course I brainstormed bringing a tarp back next year in order to catch thoughtfully shaken boughs. But for now, I’ll behave like Sal and eat right on through.

Mulberries can be made into jams, pies, smoothies, etc. But you’ll need to do so within a day, maybe two. They are prone to go bad very quickly, and thus are not sold much commercially in their virgin fruit state. The wood of the tree is incredibly hard, some maintain it could be better than a locust post if used for fencing. What do I know? This is a fruit tree worth mapping in your head, and returning to during its proven fruit season – before the birds and squirrels!