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Mulberry vs. Blackberry: Health Comparison & 3 Key Differences

Published: November 27, 2023 by Amy Williams | Leave a comment

Berries are some of the best-tasting fruits, and most kids can’t seem to get enough of them. You’re used to seeing strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries in the grocery store, and if you’re a parent, it probably feels like you spend a fortune on berries for your little ones. Aside from some of the most popular berries, there are also less common ones like mulberries. Even though they resemble blackberries, when you compare a mulberry vs. a blackberry, you’ll find there are many differences between them.

The main difference between a mulberry and a blackberry is where they’re grown, their size, and their flavor. While mulberries grow on a tree, blackberries grow on a bush. Mulberries are typically larger than blackberries, and while they do have similar flavors, blackberries tend to be sourer.

Regardless of which one you choose, both mulberries and blackberries are delicious berries that go well with pies, tarts, and other baked goods. Keep reading to find out more about the difference between mulberries and blackberries.

Jar of blackberry jam on marble background from top view, Fresh homemade blackberry jam in glass, Sweet homemade blackberry jam in small glass jar on wooden background, with fresh berries copy space. — Mulberry and blackberry can look similar, but they have many differences between them.
©azerbaijan_ stockers/Shutterstock.com

Mulberry vs. Blackberry: What Is the Difference?

If you see mulberries or blackberries in the store or at a farmer’s market without the label, it may be difficult to tell the difference. Mulberries can come in a variety of colors, but black mulberries can seem indistinguishable from blackberries.

While they do look similar in appearance, there are many differences between a mulberry and a blackberry. When comparing the two, the first thing you’ll notice is the size. Mulberries are typically larger than blackberries, and although they can be black, they can also be white or red.

If you were to pick or grow the fruit yourself, it’s important to know that another main difference between them is the way they’re grown. Mulberries grow on a tree, while blackberries grow on a bush. Additionally, they both can be tart, but mulberries tend to have a more balanced sweetness, while blackberries are more sour.

Like most fruits, when the berries are picked, it will impact the flavor and tartness significantly. Blackberries that are picked too early are often more tart than ones that are left to ripen. The one thing blackberries and mulberries do have in common is the juice from both can stain your fingers or your clothes!

Main Differences Between Mulberry vs. Blackberry

Mulberries and blackberries are both delicious fruits you can enjoy on their own or in a variety of recipes. Here are the main differences between these two berries:

Mulberries grow on a tree.
The first difference between them is where they grow. While mulberries grow on a tree, blackberries grow on a bush.
Mulberries are more balanced in flavor.
Mulberries and blackberries have similar flavors; you’ll notice tartness in both. However, blackberries may be sourer or tarter than mulberries.
Blackberries are often smaller than mulberries.
The size is another difference you may notice between blackberries and mulberries. Although they can come in various sizes, blackberries are generally smaller than mulberries.

Let’s take a closer look at each berry and some of its unique characteristics.

Nutritional Value of Mulberry vs. Blackberry

Mulberry vs Blackberry Nutritional Facts

What Is a Mulberry?

Even if you’ve never tried a mulberry before, you may have heard of it in a children’s nursery rhyme about a mulberry bush. However, one of the main differences between mulberries and blackberries is where they grow. Unlike blackberries, which grow on a bush, mulberries grow on a tree.

Mulberries are a delicious and slightly tart berry you can use in a variety of recipes. While they’re not as common as blackberries, you’re likely to see mulberries during the spring or summer and in farmer’s markets.

Mulberries can come in a variety of colors, including black, red, or white. When you see a black mulberry, it looks remarkably similar to a blackberry. The flavor of a mulberry will depend on the type of mulberry and where you pick it from, but generally, they have a sweet, tart, and earthly flavor, slightly similar to a blackberry but less tart.

What Is a Blackberry?

Blackberries are another popular berry that’s comparable to the mulberry. Blackberries grow on a bush and are typically smaller than mulberries. Also, they’re most often black, which distinguishes them from some forms of mulberries.

Blackberries have a variety of uses in the kitchen but also make a delicious, healthy snack. They have many health benefits and are full of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and vitamin K. Blackberries are also a good source of fiber, which can positively impact your digestive system.

These berries tend to be more sour than mulberries. However, they do have a similar earthy flavor, and the amount of tartness will depend on the blackberry crop.

Sweet delicious homemade forest berry tart. Pie with blueberries and raspberries. — From berry pies and tarts to delicious smoothies, there are plenty of ways to use blackberries and mulberries.
©Daniel_Dash/Shutterstock.com

What Are Mulberries and Blackberries Used For?

Mulberries and blackberries, like other types of berries, can be incredibly useful to have on hand. Since you can often use them interchangeably, you might wonder how you can use mulberries and blackberries in the kitchen. While there’s no limit to the ways you can use mulberries or blackberries, they’re great for making:

Pies
Tarts
Smoothies
Jam

You can also get creative and add mulberries or blackberries as a topping for waffles or pancakes. If you’re feeling creative, you can make a mulberry or blackberry compote to use on top of waffles, cheesecake, or other recipes. If you enjoy the taste of these berries, they’re great to snack on alone, and you get many of the health benefits by eating them fresh.

Can You Substitute Mulberry for Blackberry?

If you have a recipe that includes a specific type of berry, whether it’s a mulberry or a blackberry, you might wonder if you can substitute one for the other. Despite their differences, you can typically use these two berries interchangeably.

It is important to keep in mind that their flavors and level of tartness can vary. For example, if you’re making a pie or tart and you pick a more sour berry, you can add a bit more sugar to counteract the sourness. Overall, you can use whichever berry you happen to have on hand in pies, tarts, jams, or smoothies.

Which Is Healthier: Mulberry or Blackberry

Both blackberries and mulberries are considered berries with many health benefits. They have many necessary nutrients and vitamins that can be incredibly beneficial for your health. Some of the main benefits linked to eating these berries include:

Prevention of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers
Reduces inflammation
Improves brain function
High in vitamins and minerals

You receive the most health benefits from berries like blackberries or mulberries when you consume them fresh or frozen, with no added sugar. They’re also a good source of amino acids, fiber, and carbs.

The two berries are certainly comparable when it comes to their health benefits, but they do have different nutrients as well. Blackberries are higher in nutrients such as vitamins A, E, and K, while mulberries are higher in vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

While mulberries are typically higher in sugar, they’re also higher in nutrients such as iron. There’s no clear answer when it comes to which one is healthier than the other, but they can both be a healthy part of your diet when consumed in moderation.

Eating Healthy Fruits: Mulberry vs. Blackberry

Mulberries and blackberries are tasty berries you can use in smoothies, pies, and tarts or even eat as a healthy snack. While they both have many health benefits, there are many differences between them as well.

The main differences between a mulberry and a blackberry are their size, flavor, and where they grow. If you’re looking for a delicious berry for a snack or for a recipe, you’re more likely to find blackberries in the grocery store, but you might find mulberries during the spring or summer.