The Great Summer Mulberry Harvest

Some of our Mulberry Tree’s annual bounty

Each year an undeniable sign that summer has commenced is the profuse deluge of mulberries that fall from our front tree, staining our front walk and driveway; attracting birds for a feeding frenzy; and even tempting our pup to snack – we just discovered.

I knew almost nothing of mulberry trees until moving into this house and discovering it came with one. Fortunately we didn’t have a monkey chasing an exploding weasel around the tree (I am referencing the children’s playground song – if you’re unfamiliar with it just check the first 20 seconds of this link.)

Mulberry Carpet on grass, garden, and driveway

I created a parody of the first verse based on my experience with our mulberry tree (what is growing in our yard is definitely not a mere bush). Here it is:

I sweep beneath the mulberry tree,
While birds with berries pelt me!
Taking aim at me from on high,
Their ammunition could make a pie!

I very much appreciate the shade and privacy our tree creates. And both our cat and me get quite a kick out of watching the throngs of birds feasting right outside the upstairs window. What I don’t like so much is that those same birds have a flight path right over where the car is parked and frequently relieve themselves after their berry-good meal, thereby leaving endless purple “deposits” all over the vehicle. In addition, the berries are so profuse that a seemingly self-propagating carpet of ripe, ready-to-stain mulberries surrounds the tree. They’d be great for getting the footprints of an intruder though.

For the few weeks in summer when this great crop occurs, I daily sweep up surprisingly vast quantities of berries. And often, while I do it, I am indeed pelted by falling berries thanks to the breeze and/or possibly malicious birds. I feel I could slowly sweep all day and never have completely cleaned up the mess. The berries that fall in the gardens are the ones that get moldy, as they are a lot harder to collect. The green bin (a receptacle for collecting compostable items that is collected by the city weekly) gets so smelly and moldy with decomposing berries.

Note the stains on my tools! And the huge quantity of berries in the bucket! And the remaining berries still littering the garden behind.

I hate waste, but unfortunately, I’m not terribly inclined in the culinary arts so have little motivation to try to transform this bounty into a pie or jam or something. If you live in Ottawa area and love mulberries, let me know and I’ll welcome you with open arms to come and pick your fill. I can provide ladders! And even a cheerleading section if necessary!

Actually, just writing this I feel a bit hypocritical. I do hate waste and should at least attempt to include some mulberries in a dish or two. Can you tell I process things as I write?! I’ve talked myself into trying to bake with the very mulberries that are driving me mad. “Well done, me! Keep up the persuasive talk!” Now, I’d best be off to hunt down some mulberry recipes, methinks – it might help prevent this weasel from “popping” with annoyance!