Mulberries are in season. This fruit, which only appears for about a month, is inexpensive but very nutritious, and many people buy it to soak and use gradually. However, if soaked incorrectly, mulberry juice can easily ferment, develop a film on the surface, and spoil quickly.
Nutritional value of mulberries
Mulberries are now widely available in the market. The price of mulberries sold at the farm ranges from 17,000 to 18,000 VND/kg, while at the market it is about 10,000 VND/kg higher. Mulberries are a common fruit but are rich in nutrients, containing many vitamins, fiber, carotene, and antioxidants that are good for health.
Mulberries are in season now, and the fruit is usually bigger and sweeter.
According to traditional medicine practitioner Bui Dac Sang, in traditional medicine, mulberries have a sweet taste and a cooling nature, helping to clear heat, quench thirst, nourish blood, and promote bowel movements. When ripe, mulberries are dark purple in color and have a sweet and sour taste. People can eat them directly or process them into other delicious dishes such as syrup, jam, or liqueur.
The mulberry season is usually quite short, lasting only about a month. Right now, mulberries are in full bloom. People can buy them to make mulberry preserves in sugar syrup, a refreshing treat for the hot summer days.
However, if soaked incorrectly, mulberry juice can easily ferment, develop a film on the surface, and spoil quickly. You can refer to the soaking method below.
How to soak mulberries to prevent mold and spoilage, ensuring optimal health benefits.
Step 1: Proper preparation
Wash the mulberries thoroughly with clean water several times after purchasing them to remove dirt. Wash them gently and avoid rubbing them vigorously as they can easily be bruised. Wear gloves while washing to prevent staining.
When washing mulberries, avoid rubbing them as this can easily cause them to become crushed.
Step 2: Blanching the strawberries – the key secret.
This is an important step to note to help kill bacteria and prevent scum and mold. Boil water with a little salt, then turn off the heat and let it cool slightly. Next, blanch the strawberries for about 2-3 minutes, then remove and drain thoroughly.
Step 3: Sterilize the instruments
For soaking mulberries, prepare a glass jar. Rinse the jar with boiling water and let it dry completely.
Step 4: Soak the strawberries properly.
Layer the strawberries and sugar alternately: one layer of strawberries, one layer of sugar. Continue layering strawberries and sugar until all the ingredients are used up, with a layer of sugar on top. Cover tightly and store in a cool, dry place. After about 2-3 days, the sugar will have dissolved, and it's ready to use.
Mulberry juice is delicious and great for cooling down on a hot summer day.
How to make strawberry syrup
If you want to preserve mulberry juice for a longer period, you can make mulberry syrup. Mulberry syrup can be used to make mulberry juice, mulberry tea, etc.
Instructions: After soaking the strawberries in sugar until the sugar dissolves completely, pour the mixture into a pot and simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes until the strawberries are soft and the sauce thickens.
Mulberry syrup usually has a longer shelf life.
Let it cool and strain the syrup, pour it into a glass jar, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator. The remaining strawberry pulp can be simmered until thicker to make jam, or used as a spread for bread or in ice cream – all delicious options.