A strawberry does not resemble a raspberry, but a raspberry does resemble an immature mulberry. A mature mulberry looks like a blackberry, but it doesn’t taste like one!

Yes, the world of berries is complex but really tasty, and today’s lesson will focus on the two most difficult to distinguish varieties: mulberries and blackberries.

Both berries are smooth, sweet, and juicy to perfection. So, what can we do to make a difference? Let us bury the hatchet now.

Difference Between Mulberry and Blackberry

Mulberries and blackberries vary primarily in that they sprout on various types of plants. Mulberries grow on trees, but blackberries grow solely on shrubs.

As a result, blackberries and mulberries do not taste the same. However, it’s understandable to be bewildered since the fruits seem practically similar after they’ve been harvested.

As a result, knowing their environment might help you comprehend how different they are. Let us delve into the distinct but related worlds of mulberries and blackberries.

Different Genus Species

Mulberries belong to the Morus genus, which is in the Moraceae plant family. Blackberries belong to the Rubus genus, which is in the Rosaceae plant family.

Despite the appearance of their fruits, mulberries and blackberries are unrelated.

Different Habitats

Mulberries are upright, thornless trees native to Africa, Asia, and Europe. Mulberries come in three varieties: red, black, and white.

Red mulberries may grow to be approximately 50 feet tall, while white mulberries can grow to be 18 feet tall. Black mulberries may grow to be up to 32 feet tall, placing them between the two main kinds in terms of size.

Blackberries, on the other hand, are native to South America and the temperate Northern hemisphere. They are bushes from the bramble family.

These brambles have multiple stems known as canes that grow in either a self-supporting arching style or a trailing growth pattern in which the canes extend over the ground.

Blackberry varieties may reach heights of 10 feet. Some blackberry types have thorny canes, whereas others do not. There is also a third form known as trailing thornless blackberries, which need a trailing system to flourish.

Different Leaves

Mulberry leaves are strongly lobed and have serrated edges. Blackberries, on the other hand, have complex leaves with three to five leaflets per leaf. Each leaflet is oval in form with a pointed end. The leaves are prickly with coarsely serrated edges.

Different Fruit

Mulberries and blackberries both produce drupelets, which are clusters of small, individual fruits.

Both plants’ fruits are frequently pale in color while juvenile, but when completely formed, they become a deep, purple-black. When red and white mulberries develop, their fruits might become a lighter shade of red or purple.

A few Rubus species produce ripe fruits that readily split from the stem that they develop around. A blackberry, on the other hand, is more securely attached and is frequently removed with the stem intact.

Mulberry fruits are also plucked with their stems intact, but when ripe, they drop quite readily. Because they fall so readily, they are frequently gathered by spreading sheets under the trees and shaking the branches, allowing the fruits to fall onto the sheets.

Different Appearance

Blackberries are berries that are formed like spheres. They are about one inch long and one inch broad. They are substantially larger than raspberries but much smaller than mulberries.

Mulberries, on the other hand, may develop to be two inches long and oval in form.

Different Flavor

Mulberries have a tart and sweet taste. Black mulberries are the juiciest, sweetest, and tartest members of this berry family. A white mulberry is sweet but lacking in acidity, while a red mulberry is more balanced. Blackberries have a tangy, sweet taste with a tinge of earthiness. The edible core imparts earthy and woody tastes.

Different Aroma

Mulberries also provide sweetness via their fragrance. You’ll notice fruity fragrances in addition to the sweetness. Blackberries, on the other hand, have a more earthy and woody aroma. You may sense floral fragrances when you smell them.

Mulberry vs Blackberry Comparison Table

Nutritional Content Breakdown: Which One Is Healthier?

According to the nutritional data below, blackberries and mulberries have the same 43 calories. Mulberries have more protein, carbohydrates, and sugars than blackberries and have more fiber and lipids.

Mulberries and blackberries are both high in vitamins. Mulberries include more vitamin C, B6, B1, and B2. Blackberries are higher in vitamin E, vitamin K, and vitamin A.

Blackberries contain higher quantities of copper and zinc when it comes to minerals. Mulberries, on the other hand, have a greater concentration of calcium, iron, potassium, and phosphorus. Blackberries contain less salt than blueberries, although the magnesium concentration of the two fruits is almost same.

Because both fruits are nutritious powerhouses, there is no clear victor in the debate over which is healthier. The choice is solely dependent on personal preference.

Mulberry vs Blackberry: Nutritional Profile

Can I Substitute Mulberry for Blackberry and Vice Versa?

Mulberries and blackberries have a similar look and taste. As a result, switching blackberries for mulberries or vice versa will have no effect on the final meal.

Some of the greatest recipes that use blackberries instead of mulberries and vice versa are as follows:

• Crumbled apple and berry pudding with freshly squeezed lemon juice and cinnamon
• blueberries and mulberriesPie with berry crumble and blackberries
• Baked berries, honey, banana, and orange zest oats
• Cobbler of peaches and berries with cinnamon and lemon juice

Conclusion

That concludes our examination of mulberries and blackberries; we hope you found it berry interesting!

The good news is that you may substitute one for the other in your dishes, but keep in mind that both berries are rather unique.

Mulberries are longer and more oval in shape, while blackberries are short, glossy, and spherical.

Mulberries contain more nutrients than blackberries, which have a greater sugar content. As a result, you should absolutely try mulberries and blueberries at least once since they are both quite healthful!

So, berry lovers, which fruit will win your heart? Is it going to be mulberries or blackberries? Enjoy either one you select!