Looking for fruits like mulberry? We’ve gathered a list of 10 substitutes that look and taste similar. This close relative to breadfruit and figs comes in black, white and red and is found growing in trees across the world — although its black variety is considered to be an invasive species in the USA. For this reason, it’s usually imported from Asia and isn’t commercially produced on a large scale in the USA. If you’re a fan of this berry this list will introduce you to several other fruits you might also enjoy. Take your time to try each one to see which ones remind you of it.
Now let’s get to the list…
Blackberries
It’s natural that you’d wonder if blackberries and mulberries taste similar. After all, the two fruits look very similar, featuring clusters of fruit filled with intensely pigmented juice. The similarity between the two ends there. Blackberries grow in bushes instead of trees and they tend to be rounder and shorter in shape. They also contain an inner ‘stem’ that is edible but distinguishable from the rest of the fruit. In general, blackberries have a more jam-like taste and are sweeter. Depending on the color of your mulberry, the taste will be tart and sweet. The lighter the berry is, the less intense its flavor will be. Both fruits are somewhat fragile and will easily be crushed unless handled with care. Here are a few fruits and berries that taste similar to mulberries.
Figs
Figs are one of the world’s oldest documented fruits and thrives across large parts of Asia, where it thrives as an ornamental plant and fruit bearing plant. It has a pulpy and almost syrupy flesh with a nectar or honey like taste. Despite this, it isn’t juicy like a mulberry and is much larger and heavier. However it is a member of the Mulberry family and is a kind of inside out mulberry. You can eat them raw and straight off the tree if you want, without having to remove their skin. You could also slice them and add them to salad with tahini and lemon for a contrast in flavors. They also make a great dessert dish, and can be layered and baked in the oven with a dusting of cinnamon and sugar to enhance their simple flavor.
Raspberries
Most of the world’s raspberries are cultivated in Russia, where they’re plucked off their stems from bushes and brambles. Unlike the blackberry, the raspberry has a bright red pink color and hollow core, while the blackberry has a filled core. The raspberry has a sharp and tart flavor and only needs a moderately temperate environment for it to thrive, but it can take up to two years for a single plant to grow. Once harvested they’re frequently frozen if not consumed immediately. Because of its tart flavor it’s often blended with other milder fruits to make jams or juices. However the fruit is also eaten plain as a healthy snack as it’s incredibly high in vitamin C — although they aren’t as juicy as other berries.
Blueberries
Grown in shrubs, blueberries are the berry you’re mostly likely to get your hands on if you live in the USA, as the fruit is farmed in the country and therefore easily accessible. Its deep blue color makes this fruit stand apart from other berries, and it also has a pleasant berry taste that’s easy to like. Although it does contain seeds, they’re tiny and edible. Many people consider the blueberry to be a so-called superfood, as it’s low in calories but high in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C. Like most other berries you can find blueberries used in jams or bakes, but they’re also dried and added to granola or snack bars due to their mild and versatile berry taste.
Goji Berries
Goji berries are also known as wolfberries which have recently become very popular in health conscious circles for being able to offer several benefits. It grows on a shrub native to China and is usually dried before being eaten. It has a long and established history as being used in Chinese medicine thanks to its many health benefits. Many believe eating it will extend your lifespan. It can be steeped as tea or consumed fresh, but as the fruit is usually shipped long distances it’s rare to access it in the USA in its fresh form.
Acai Berries
This South American fruit has also risen in prominence over the past few years due to its reported health benefits. It’s grown in rainforests and each tiny fruit is actually made up primarily of a large edible seed. Those who enjoy it say it tastes like a mixture of berries and chocolate. As a fruit it’s higher in antioxidants than other berries and also contains 19 amino acids. You can expect to access it in dried or powdered form, although it’s also available frozen or juiced. It can be added to juices or smoothies, and is often consumed as part of a breakfast.
Cranberries
One of the most popular berries with proven health benefits is the cranberry. Its sharp taste makes it instantly recognisable and it also means that it’s rarely eaten in its raw form. Despite this, it is very popular when juiced, where it’s sweetened and added to other juices. It’s also a very popular sauce served alongside other dishes during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Cranberries have a proven impact on preventing and healing urinary tract infections. This berry is almost entirely made up of water, making it a low calorie fruit low in sugar and fiber but high in antioxidants.
Bilberries
If you’ve ever seen a bilberry you’d be forgiven for mistaking it for a blueberry. However, if you look closely you’ll see that it has smaller and darker colored berries and when eaten has a more intense taste. Their flesh is also darker and filled with pigmented juice that will stain your hands, mouth and even your clothing. However, they are easy to crush and damage, which makes them challenging to transport long distances. This fruit is commonly grown in Sweden where it plays a huge role in local cuisine. However they’re also found in some parts of the USA, where they’re known as huckleberries.
Lingonberry
While the lingonberry looks like a typical berry, its flesh and leaves are usually used for medicinal purposes. They look like smaller cranberries but are much more sourer and therefore are just as inedible in their raw form. It has many proven health benefits. Like cranberries it can help prevent urinary tract infections or curb active ones. Just 100 grams of the fruit will give your body over 100% of its daily recommended allowance of manganese, as well as significant amounts of other vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Gooseberries
The gooseberry is a small orange colored fruit, deviating from the color pattern of berries which are usually blues, reds and purple. It has an incredibly tart taste that many acquire over time. It’s also healthy, having more antioxidants than apples, broccoli or pomegranates. It’s frequently used in fruity desserts and as an attractive garnish on salads. However, a few people are allergic to the fruit, so proceed with caution if you get the chance to taste it.
There are many different berry varieties out there, even if they aren’t directly related to the mulberry. Half of the fun is tasting each one and comparing how the taste and texture of each differs from the other. The best part is that berries are incredibly healthy, which means that all your experimentation will be good for your body.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
