Are There Cultural Practices for Mulberry Harvesting in Different Regions?

Mulberry Harvesting in Asia

In Japan, mulberry harvesting typically occurs in late summer to early autumn, with farmers carefully selecting ripe fruit by gently tugging on the stem, as unripe fruit will not come off easily. In Korea, mulberry harvesters often use a bamboo pole to pluck the fruit, while in China, mulberries are harvested by hand, usually in the morning when the dew is still present. In India, mulberry harvesters use a technique called “jhum cultivation,” where they clear the land of weeds and debris before planting the trees, which are then harvested in the summer months.

Mulberry Harvesting in Europe and the Middle East

In Greece, mulberry harvesting is a community effort, with families gathering together to pick the fruit, often using a technique called “gathering in batches” to ensure even ripening. In Turkey, mulberries are harvested in late June to early July, with farmers using a tool called a “mulberry picker” to collect the fruit. In the Balkans, mulberries are often harvested from wild trees, with pickers using a long-handled basket to collect the fruit.

Mulberry Harvesting in the Americas

In the southern United States, mulberry harvesting typically occurs in late spring to early summer, with farmers using a technique called “hand-picking” to collect the fruit. In Mexico, mulberries are harvested by hand, often in the early morning hours when the fruit is ripest. In Brazil, mulberries are harvested in the summer months, with farmers using a technique called “selective harvesting” to ensure the highest quality fruit.