Mulberry trees used to be a rare sight around here, but they’re making a serious comeback! More and more gardeners are planting them again, and for good reason—the berries have an absolutely incredible flavor. If you’re lucky enough to have a harvest, one of the best ways to save that summer goodness for later is by drying them.
When to Harvest
You can still find old mulberry trees tucked away in public parks or historic sites. While these older trees might not produce as much as they used to, they’re still worth checking out. If you find a tree loaded with fruit, take advantage of the opportunity! You can actually grow your own mulberry trees from the seeds of those berries.
Keep an eye out for the first ripe berries starting around late May. One little quirk about mulberries is that they don’t all ripen at once; the tree will keep producing new fruit all the way through September. This makes drying them a perfect solution, especially if you’re just gathering small handfuls at a time throughout the season.
How to Pick the Best Berries
You’ll know a mulberry is ready when it practically falls into your hand with a gentle tug. For drying, you want them fully ripe because they get much sweeter once the moisture is gone. Just be careful not to grab overripe ones—if they’ve been sitting on the ground for a while, they might have already started to ferment. Stick to the ones still on the branch or those that have just fallen.
Drying Your Mulberries
Before you start, make sure you’re only using healthy, blemish-free fruit. Give them a quick rinse under cool running water and let them drain thoroughly.
If you have a food dehydrator, spread the berries out and set it to no higher than 120°F (50°C). No dehydrator? No problem! You can use your oven. The key is to dry them relatively quickly so they don’t spoil, which is why air-drying in the sun usually isn’t the best bet for these juicy berries.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the mulberries out in a single layer. Pop them in the oven at 120°F, keeping the door cracked slightly to let moisture escape. Once they’re done, store your dried treats in a cool, dark, and dry spot. They make a great snack or a tasty addition to your morning granola!