What Are the Benefits of Mulberries, How Should They Be Stored, and What Side Effects Should You Watch Out For?

Have you heard of ‘mulberries’ among the many foods you can enjoy in summer? Mulberries are called a ‘black jewel’ because of their dark reddish color and healthful benefits, and they are used in a variety of dishes and desserts.

Mulberries are said to be rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, so they offer many health benefits. Today, we’ll take a look at the health benefits of mulberries that many of us may not have known about, as well as how to store them and the side effects of mulberries that you should be careful about.

5 Benefits of Mulberries

Mulberries are fruits that grow on mulberry trees. They are widely cultivated in Asia and North America, and after harvest they are eaten fresh or dried. Traditionally, they have been used as medicinal ingredients, which is why they are known for many healthful effects. The five representative benefits of mulberries are as follows.

1. Helps eye health

First, mulberries are beneficial for eye health. If you frequently use a smartphone or PC, or if you are concerned about eye health due to aging, mulberries may be a good choice. Mulberries are rich in anthocyanins, which may help prevent eye diseases such as cataracts and support improved vision.

2. Helps vascular health

If you are worried about vascular health, the benefits of mulberries may help. The rutin in mulberries may support vascular health and help stabilize blood pressure, which may also help prevent high blood pressure.

3. Anti-cancer effects

Mulberries contain resveratrol, a type of phytochemical, so anti-cancer effects can also be expected. Resveratrol may help prevent cancer by suppressing toxicity.

4. Brain health benefits

The anthocyanins in mulberries may help prevent memory decline and stroke associated with brain aging. If you are concerned about brain health as you age, mulberries may be helpful.

5. Anti-aging effects

Lastly, you can expect anti-aging effects. Mulberries are rich in anthocyanins, resveratrol, rutin, linoleic acid, and other components, which may help suppress free radicals and prevent aging.

How to store mulberries and keep them fresh

So far, we have looked at five benefits of mulberries. Mulberries are fruits that soften easily and have a short shelf life, so it is best to eat them as soon as possible. If you want to keep them fresh for a bit longer, you can store them using the following methods.

🍇 When refrigerating

Without washing them, line an airtight container with paper towels, place the mulberries inside, and store them in the refrigerator. It is best to consume them within 3 to 4 days.

🍇 When freezing

If you want to store mulberries for longer using a storage method, freezing is recommended.

1. Rinse the mulberries under running water and remove all moisture completely

2. Spread them out on a tray so they do not stick together, and freeze them

3. Once the mulberries are completely frozen, place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer

4. Whenever needed, take them out and use them for juice, smoothies, jam, and more so you can enjoy them for a longer time.

🍇 Processing into cheong/jam

You can also process mulberries into cheong or jam for storage. If you want a storage method for a large amount of mulberries, processing them into mulberry cheong or mulberry jam is more effective than keeping them raw.

What side effects of mulberries should you watch out for?

So far, we have looked at how to store fresh mulberries.

Mulberries are healthy and can be enjoyed by anyone, but some people need to be careful when consuming them. Although rare, people who are allergic to mulberries may experience itching, hives, and other symptoms. If any unusual symptoms appear, it is best to stop consuming them immediately.

Mulberries are a fruit with healthful benefits, but please be mindful of the following side effects and enjoy them more safely.

1. Cold nature: Mulberries are a fruit with a cooling nature. People who tend to feel cold or have weak digestion may experience abdominal pain or diarrhea if they eat too much.

2. When taking blood sugar control medication: Some components in mulberries, such as DNJ, may affect blood sugar control, so people taking diabetes medication should definitely consult their doctor before consuming them.

3. Allergic reactions: If you experience an allergic reaction or hives after eating mulberries, it is best to stop consuming them immediately.

4. Staining: The dark pigments in mulberries can easily stain clothes or skin, so be careful about staining when eating or processing them.

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