Mulberries: ways to freeze them in the freezer for the winter

What is mulberry

Mulberry is a fruit crop that has more than 16 different species. The main distribution is in areas with subtropical and temperate climates. Initially, this tree was grown for its leafy mass, which served as the main food for silkworm caterpillars. Hence another name for the plant - mulberry tree, and for the fruit - mulberry.

Mulberry berries are fleshy and juicy in the form of drupes 2–3 centimeters long. The color of the fruit, depending on the variety, can be from red to black, and from white to pink.

How to collect mulberries

The mulberry tree is very prolific. The annual harvest from one plant can reach up to 2 centners. The harvest begins in mid-July and ends in August.

It is best to collect mulberries in sunny weather.If it rained a few days before, there will be no need to wash the crop.

Berries are collected from the lower branches manually. In order to remove the fruits from the top, a large piece of cloth or cellophane is spread under the tree, and then, by tapping on the bases of the branches, some of the ripe berries fall off.

Watch the video from the “Hunter” channel - How to quickly pick mulberries

Methods for freezing mulberries

Whole berries - in bulk

This method is the most popular, as it requires minimal effort and time.

The harvested crop is sorted from branches and debris. If the berry is dusty or was bought secondhand at the market, then it must be carefully washed in a large saucepan with water. This must be done very carefully so as not to damage the delicate fruits.

In order not to stain the kitchen furniture, first place plastic bags on the table or cover it with cling film, lay paper towels on top, and washed mulberries on them.

The dried fruits are placed on trays, in a layer of 2–3 centimeters, and sent to the freezer for 4 hours. During this time, the berries will set and can be poured into a bag.

If the berries were not subjected to water procedures before freezing, they can be immediately frozen in portioned bags.

Watch the video in which Lubov Kriuk will tell you how to freeze mulberries simply and deliciously

Mulberries with sugar

The fruits are placed in containers, sprinkled with a small amount of sugar. Since this berry is already very sweet, you will need very little granulated sugar: 150 grams for 1 kilogram.

After the container is filled, they are tightly closed with a lid and shaken slightly so that the sand is distributed more evenly.

How to freeze mulberries in syrup

In order to prepare the syrup, you will need 1 cup of sugar and 2 cups of water. Water is boiled with sugar for 5 minutes, and then cooled first at room temperature, and then in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. It is important that the syrup is cold before placing it in the freezer.

The mulberries are laid out in containers or plastic cups and syrup is poured on top. Before placing in the chamber, the containers are tightly closed with lids, and the cups are tightly sealed with cling film.

If you have a lot of berries, then make more syrup. It is necessary that the mulberry be completely immersed in the sweet liquid.

How to store and defrost mulberries

Mulberries can be stored in the cold until the next harvest, but for this it is necessary to maintain a constant freezer mode at -18°C.

To defrost berries without losing vitamins, first place them in the main compartment of the refrigerator on the lowest shelf. Then they are taken out and allowed to finally warm up at room temperature.