About our May Mulberry Menu:
The inspiration for this menu started at Habitera Farms in Brentwood, California when we visited Very Mulberry and fell in love with the taste of their fresh Himalayan Mulberries. We picked fresh berries at Very Mulberry on a weekend in May also the perfect time to go!
You can also find my blog post about my new tradition at the U-Pick Farm Capital here!
I also had help creating this menu from family, specifically Ric – who also enjoys using fresh & local ingredients (and is additionally an amazing home chef).
Lastly, I hope to keep posting and supporting all the local farms through continued visits and sharing informative posts. I will also try to create/repost independent blog posts and/or videos on the U-Pick Capital and on the farms soon. More information about visiting Very Mulberry can be found on their website here: (verymulberry.com)
We’re so excited to share our Mulberry Menu:
1. Basic Mulberry Jam (Recipe Below)
2. Mulberry Pop Tarts Recipe
3. Mulberry BBQ Sauce Recipe
4. Mulberry Muffins Recipe
5. Mulberry Gummy Candy (Coming soon – hopefully)
6. Mulberry Mojto Recipe
7. Mulberry Salad Recipe
1. Basic Mulberry Jam*
This is how we made it with what we had in our kitchen:
Mulberry Jam Recipe
Ingredients:
4 cups mulberries, washed and stems removed
2 cups granulated sugar
Juice of 1 lemon*
**(we didn’t use this – we forgot to and the berries were plenty fresh and sweet enough but feel free to include).
2 tablespoons cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry
Instructions:
Prepare the Fruit:
In a large pot, combine the mulberries and sugar. Stir well to coat the berries in sugar and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes. This process helps draw out the juices from the mulberries.
Cook the Mixture:
Add the lemon juice to the pot with the mulberries and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Thicken the Jam:
Once the mulberry mixture has reached a boil and the berries have broken down, reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly to incorporate it smoothly and to prevent lumps. Continue to cook while stirring until the jam thickens, about 5-10 minutes.
Test the Jam:
To test the thickness, place a small spoonful of jam on a cold plate. If it sets and wrinkles when pushed with a finger, it is ready.
Bottle the Jam:
Remove the pot from heat. Ladle the jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean, seal with lids, and process in a water bath for 10 minutes to ensure preservation.
Cool and Store:
Let the jars cool completely at room temperature. Check the seals, then store in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Refrigerate after opening.
Alternative Thickeners:
Pectin: This is a natural thickener found in many fruits and is commonly used in jam making. It provides a smooth texture and clear appearance.
Agar-Agar: A plant-based gelatin substitute derived from seaweed. It sets firmer than pectin and can be a good option if you prefer a vegan thickener.
Chia Seeds: These can be used for a more natural thickening option. Grind the seeds and add them to the jam for a nutrient-rich thickener.
** We used this jam in the Mulberry bbq sauce within this menu & for the Mulberry Pop tarts.
Find the recipes for the rest of the menu below:
2. Mulberry Pop Tarts *
A delightful twist on a classic, these homemade pop tarts are filled with our homemade mulberry jam and topped with a light icing and sprinkles.
3. Mulberry BBQ Sauce *
This unique BBQ sauce uses our mulberry jam as a base, creating a sweet and tangy flavor profile that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or as a glaze for roasting. We used it on a pork we made in the air fryer.
4. Mulberry Muffins
Soft and moist, these muffins are packed with fresh mulberries and a homemade crumble on top. They make a perfect breakfast option or a sweet treat during the day.
5. Mulberry-Lemonade Gummy Bears
Fun and fruity, these homemade gummy bears are a hit with both kids and adults. They’re made with mulberry juice and a touch of lemonade for natural sweetness.
6. Spring Mulberry Mojito
A refreshing twist on a classic cocktail, our Spring Mulberry Mojito is the perfect blend of sweet and zesty.
7. Mulberry Salad
A fresh and vibrant dish, this salad combines mixed greens, avocado, sliced almonds, feta cheese, and fresh mulberries, dressed with a light mulberry vinaigrette.
Have fun making these and tag me if you make any of these!
