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Red Chinese mulberries are brightly colored fruits that grow on deciduous trees. They have a rounded, slightly irregular shape with occasional bulges that measures approximately 2.5 to 5 centimeters in diameter. Their exterior resembles a lychee or raspberry, with bumpy, wrinkled skin that ranges in color from red to maroon. These fruits have a juicy, rich red flesh that contains three to six brown edible seeds. When fully ripe they have a soft, chewy texture and a distinctly sweet taste. Red Chinese mulberries possess a watermelon-like flavor with hints of fig and cantaloupe.
Seasons/Availability
Red Chinese mulberries are available in the fall.
Current Facts
Red Chinese mulberries are botanically classified as Cudrania tricuspidata and belong to the Moraceae family, which includes breadfruit, jackfruit, and figs. This variety is also commonly referred to as Che fruit, Cudrang, Mandarin Melon Berry, Silkworm Thorn, and Chinese Che. They are technically not berries but rather aggregates of tiny fleshy drupes clustered around a single stem. Red Chinese mulberries grow on trees that can reach heights of six meters. They are native to Central Eastern China and encompass many fruit varieties, including Shangri-La, Red Himalayan, and Taman mulberries. Red Chinese should not be confused with American Red mulberries, which are an entirely different genus and species. The wood from Red Chinese mulberry trees can be used to make paper, yellow dyes, and utensils. The trees bloom small cream-colored flowers in the summer and are often used as an ornamental. Their mulberry fruits make the trees appealing for feeding deer and silkworms, as well as for various culinary uses.
Nutritional Value
The nutritional value of Red Chinese mulberries is not widely known, but they have similar nutritional benefits as common mulberries. These fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is essential for immune function, skin health, and collagen production. They provide vitamin K1, helping with blood clotting and bone health, and vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress. The iron in mulberries supports red blood cell production, thereby enhancing oxygen transport throughout the body, while its potassium maintains healthy blood pressure and proper muscle and nerve function. Mulberries are also rich in anthocyanins, natural pigments with potent antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammation.
Applications
Red Chinese mulberries are frequently consumed when they're soft and almost overly ripe but can also be cooked, preserved, or frozen. They may be used in many of the same recipes as common mulberries. Fresh Red Chinese mulberries are tossed into fruit bowls, smoothies, cocktails, granola bowls, yogurt parfaits, and green salads. They're also incorporated into baked goods like pastries, pies, fruit cakes, and tarts or used as a topping for any of these desserts. Mixing the ripe fruit in a blender and straining out the seeds yields a bright red juice that can be mixed with coconut milk, mint coolers, milkshakes, mojitos, lassis, and green juices. Red Chinese mulberries pair well with ingredients like cream cheese, custard, peanut butter, almonds, bananas, apples, oranges, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, plums, apricots, mangos, chocolate, coriander, and basil. The fruit will stay fresh for about two weeks if stored unwashed in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Mulberries have a millennium-long history in Beijing, China dating back to the Eastern Han dynasty. A legend about the founding emperor of this dynasty, Liu Xiu, explains that when he was ambushed by a rival faction, he hid in a grove of mulberry trees. When these enemies ran into the forest where he was hiding, a gust of wind caused a pile of mulberries to fall on the ground in front of them. They were so distracted by the unfamiliar fallen fruit and their potential value that Liu Xiu was able to quietly escape. He then declared mulberries a royal fruit for saving his life, and they were highly valued for dynasties to come.
Geography/History
Red Chinese mulberries are native to Central Eastern China and are also frequently grown in Nepal, Korea, and Japan. As a fruit native to mountainous areas, they are cold-hardy but thrive in environments with full sun exposure and tolerate temperate climates as well. Red Chinese mulberries grow wild in rocky areas, roadsides, and mountain slopes and are cultivated in home gardens. The Silk Road brought all mulberries, including the Red Chinese species, into global commerce. Red Chinese mulberries arrived in France and England in the late 1800s and were established in the United States by the early 20th century. These fruits are more commonly foraged from the wild or grown from seed than found in large grocery stores. When produced commercially, they are most likely available at specialty stores or farmers' markets, particularly those focused on East Asian fruits.
Specialty Produce
1929 hancock st sd ca 92110
6192953172 [email protected]
RED CHINASE MULBERRIES
from " MURRAY FAMILY FARMS"
at Specialty Produce…..Red Chinese Mulberries are unique fruits with a red-maroon, bumpy exterior similar to lychee or raspberry. Each fruit is about 2.5 to 5 cm wide and contains 3 to 6 edible brown seeds. Their juicy, rich flesh delivers a watermelon-like flavor accented by fig and cantaloupe notes. When ripe, they offer a soft, chewy texture and a distinct sweetness, making them a delightful addition to various dishes.
Farmers Market Santa Monica
Arizona Ave & 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
https://www.santamonica.gov/categories/programs/farmers-market
Red Chinese Molberries…..Red Chinese Mulberries can be enjoyed ripe or used in recipes like smoothies, cocktails, salads, pastries, and pies. They pair remarkably well with ingredients such as cream cheese, almonds, bananas, and chocolate. You can blend them into juices for creative drinks like mojitos or coconut milk blends. To retain their freshness, keep them unwashed in the refrigerator, where they can last up to two weeks.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock Street San Diego CA 92110
619-295-3172 [email protected]
Che fruit from Murray Family Farms…..Che fruit belongs to the Moraceae family, alongside breadfruit, jackfruit, and figs, and is botanically classified as Cudrania tricuspidata. These fruits are aggregates of tiny fleshy drupes rather than true berries. Che trees can grow up to six meters tall and produce small cream-colored summer blooms. Their wood is versatile enough to create paper, dyes, and utensils, and the fruit is valuable for feeding deer, silkworms, and culinary purposes.
Red Chinese Mulberries spotted at Specialty Produce. Grown by Murray Family Farm in Bakersfield, Ca…...Red Chinese Mulberries are native to Central Eastern China and have been grown in countries like Nepal, Korea, and Japan. They thrive in temperate climates, favor full sun, and can even tolerate cold conditions. These fruits were introduced globally via the Silk Road before reaching the United States by the early 20th century. Today, they are often foraged or grown in home gardens and are rarely found outside specialty stores or farmers' markets.
Steve Murray Jr.
Bakersfield, 93307
(661) 330-0100
www.murrayfamilyfarms.com
Red Chinese Mulberries spotted at Santa Monica Farmers Market…...Mulberries have a rich heritage in Beijing, China, tracing back to the Eastern Han dynasty. Emperor Liu Xiu, its founder, once credited mulberries with saving his life. Legend has it that, while hiding in a mulberry grove, a rival faction was distracted by the unexpected sight of fallen mulberries, allowing him to escape. Declaring them a royal fruit, Liu Xiu ensured their high regard for centuries to come.
Steve Murray
Bakersfield , 93307
+16613303396
Red Chinese Mulberries spotted at Santa Monica Farmers Market. First of season…..Red Chinese Mulberries have a juicy red flesh with three to six edible seeds. Their soft, chewy texture and uniquely sweet flavor combine hints of watermelon, fig, and cantaloupe. The fruits, measuring 2.5 to 5 centimeters, boast bumpy skin resembling a lychee or raspberry, transitioning from red to maroon as they ripen. Known for their vibrant appearance and rich taste, they are a delightful seasonal find.
Steve Murray
Bakersfield, 93307
+16613303396
Red Chinese Mulberries spotted at Santa Monica Farmers Market…...Red Chinese Mulberries are versatile and can be eaten fresh, cooked, preserved, or frozen. They are perfect for fruit bowls, smoothies, cocktails, salads, and yogurt parfaits. They also shine in pastries, pies, and tarts. When blended and strained, they produce a vibrant juice that pairs well with coconut milk, lassis, or mojitos. Stored unwashed in the fridge, these mulberries can stay fresh for up to two weeks.
Steve Murray
Bakersfield, 93307
+16613303396
Red Chinese Mulberries spotted at Santa Monica Farmers Market…..Red Chinese mulberries, identified as Cudrania tricuspidata, are not true berries but clusters of fleshy drupes. Known also as Che fruit or Mandarin Melon Berry, these fruits grow on trees reaching up to six meters, native to Central Eastern China. Their wood can be used for paper, dyes, and utensils, while the fruit's nutrients include vitamin C, vitamin K1, iron, and anthocyanins. These compounds support immunity, skin health, oxygen transport, and reducing inflammation.
Steve Murray
Bakersfield, 93307
+16613303396
Red Chinese Mulberries spotted at Santa Monica Farmers Market…...Red Chinese Mulberries: Native to Central Eastern China, these fruits also thrive in Nepal, Korea, and Japan, favoring temperate regions with full sun. Introduced globally via the Silk Road, they arrived in the U.S. by the early 20th century. Often foraged or home-grown, they are rarely found in large grocery stores but are a specialty item at farmers' markets, especially those highlighting East Asian produce.
Ashley Beason [email protected]
Red Chinese Mulberries spotted at Santa Monica Farmers Market…...Mulberries played a pivotal role in ancient Chinese history during the Eastern Han dynasty. Liu Xiu, the founding emperor, once evaded capture by rivals by hiding in a grove of mulberry trees. A gust of wind scattered ripe mulberries, which distracted his enemies, allowing him to escape. Liu Xiu later declared mulberries a royal fruit in recognition of their life-saving impact, elevating their cultural value for generations.
