How to Prepare Mulberry Leaf for Tea and Culinary Use

For centuries, mulberry leaves have been valued in traditional medicine and cuisine for their nutritional profile, which includes vitamins, minerals, and potent plant compounds. This guide will show you how to properly harvest, dry, and prepare mulberry leaf to create a delicious and healthy addition to your diet.

Quick Summary

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for harvesting and drying mulberry leaves, along with multiple methods for preparing them, such as brewing a simple herbal tea and incorporating them into savory dishes.

Key Points

• Harvesting: Collect young, vibrant green leaves from late spring to early summer, avoiding any with blemishes.

• Drying: Use air-drying or a dehydrator to achieve brittle, fully dried leaves for long-term storage.

• Tea from Dried Leaves: Steep 1 teaspoon of crushed dried leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes.

• Tea from Fresh Leaves: Simmer chopped fresh leaves in boiling water until the liquid turns light green.

• Culinary Use: Blanch young leaves and use them as a cooked green in savory dishes, similar to spinach.

• Nutrient Retention: Shade-drying preserves more nutrients compared to higher-heat methods.

• Storage: Store properly dried leaves in an airtight container away from light and heat to maintain freshness.

Harvesting and Drying Mulberry Leaves

Before you can prepare mulberry leaf, you need to properly harvest and dry it to retain its quality and nutrients. The best time to harvest is from late spring to early summer when the leaves are mature but still tender. Choose healthy, vibrant green leaves and avoid any with blemishes or insect damage.

Harvesting Process:

1. Select: Choose younger, tender leaves for the best flavor and texture, especially if cooking. For tea, both young and mature leaves work well.
2. Clean: Rinse the leaves thoroughly under cool water to remove any dirt or debris.
3. Pat Dry: Gently pat the leaves dry with a clean towel.

Drying Methods:

Air-Drying

• Spread the cleaned leaves in a single layer on a drying rack or mesh screen.
• Place the rack in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
• Turn the leaves once a day to ensure even drying.
• The leaves are fully dried when they become brittle and easily snap (usually 5–7 days).

Dehydrator

• Set your dehydrator to a low temperature, between 95–115°F (35–46°C).
• Arrange the leaves in a single layer on the dehydrator trays.
• Dry for 3–8 hours, checking periodically until they are crisp.

Oven Drying

• Set your oven to the lowest possible temperature (usually around 170°F or 75°C).
• Arrange leaves on a baking sheet in a single layer. Leave the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape.
• Dry for 30–60 minutes, checking frequently to prevent burning, until they are brittle.

Once dried, store the leaves whole or as a crushed powder in an airtight container away from light and heat.

Preparing Mulberry Leaf Tea

Mulberry leaf tea is a popular and simple way to consume the leaves, whether using fresh or dried leaves.

Method for Dried Leaves:

1. Boil Water: Bring 200-250 ml (about 1 cup) of fresh, filtered water to a boil.
2. Add Leaves: Place 1 teaspoon of dried, crushed mulberry leaves into a teapot or infuser.
3. Steep: Pour the hot water over the leaves and let them infuse for 5–10 minutes, depending on your desired strength.
4. Strain and Serve: Strain the tea and serve immediately.

Method for Fresh Leaves:

1. Chop: Cut 3-5 fresh, clean leaves into rough strips.
2. Boil: Add the chopped leaves to boiling water and simmer until the water turns a light green color.
3. Strain and Serve: Strain the leaves and enjoy the fresh brew.

Cooking with Mulberry Leaves

Young mulberry leaves can be cooked and enjoyed as a savory vegetable, similar to spinach or collard greens. Blanching is a key step to reduce bitterness and improve texture.

Seasoned Mulberry Leaves (Sigeumchi-namul style):

1. Blanch: Bring a pot of water to a boil with a pinch of salt. Add 2 handfuls of fresh, young mulberry leaves and blanch for about a minute.
2. Cool: Immediately transfer leaves to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process, then squeeze out the excess water.
3. Season: In a bowl, mix the blanched leaves with a seasoning mixture of soy sauce, crushed garlic, perilla oil, and sesame seeds.

Mulberry Leaf Stir-Fry:

1. Prepare: Blanch young leaves and squeeze out moisture.
2. Sauté: In a hot pan with perilla oil, stir-fry minced garlic and chopped onions until fragrant.
3. Add Leaves: Add the blanched mulberry leaves and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes. Add soy sauce and sesame salt to taste.

Comparison Table: Fresh vs. Dried Mulberry Leaves

Feature	Fresh Mulberry Leaves	Dried Mulberry Leaves
Best Uses	Stir-fries, seasoned dishes, salads	Herbal tea, powdered supplement
Flavor Profile	Mild, earthy, slightly vegetal	More concentrated, earthy, herbaceous
Preparation Time	Shorter (boiling)	Longer (drying process)
Nutrient Concentration	Lower due to high water content	Higher concentration per gram
Storage	Highly perishable, use immediately	Long-term storage possible

Conclusion

Whether you prefer a simple, soothing cup of herbal tea or a savory addition to your dinner, knowing how to prepare mulberry leaf opens up a world of culinary and medicinal possibilities. By following these simple steps for harvesting, drying, and cooking, you can easily incorporate this nutritious and versatile ingredient into your daily routine. Experiment with different preparation methods to discover your favorite way to enjoy this remarkable plant.

For further reading on the nutritional benefits and compounds of mulberry leaves, refer to this comprehensive review: https://www.thepharmajournal.com/archives/2023/vol12issue5/PartN/12-5-178-931.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat fresh mulberry leaves directly?

Yes, young mulberry leaves can be eaten fresh, especially in salads, but cooking them is a more common preparation method to improve texture and taste.

How do you store dried mulberry leaves?

Store fully dried leaves in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or metal tin, away from direct sunlight and heat to maintain their freshness and potency.

Is it safe to drink mulberry leaf tea every day?

While generally considered safe, some people may experience side effects like bloating or nausea. It's best to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are on medication.

What parts of the mulberry tree are edible?

The berries, young leaves, and even the roots are used for food or medicine. However, the milky white sap (latex) found in some parts is mildly toxic if ingested.

What are the health benefits of mulberry leaf?

Mulberry leaves are believed to help lower blood sugar, regulate insulin, reduce cholesterol, and provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

How can you tell if the mulberry leaves are ready to be stored after drying?

The leaves are ready when they are completely dry, brittle, and snap easily when you handle them.

Can I use older, tougher mulberry leaves for anything?

Older leaves can be used for tea, as the brewing process extracts the beneficial compounds. However, they are not recommended for most culinary applications due to their tough texture.