What is the Difference Between Mulberry and Boysenberry

Mulberry and Boysenberry are two types of berries with a similar taste that are commonly available in the summer. Although they share many similarities, mulberries and Boysenberries are not the same.

The key difference between Mulberry and Boysenberry is their plant type. Mulberry grows on a tree, whereas Boysenberry grows on low-trailing plants. In addition, Boysenberries tend to be larger than mulberries.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Mulberry
3. What is Boysenberry
4. Similarities – Mulberry and Boysenberry
5. Mulberry vs Boysenberry  in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Mulberry and Boysenberry
7. FAQ – Mulberry and Boysenberry

What is Mulberry?

Mulberries are the fruits of mulberry trees (Morus sp.), a genus of flowering plants in the family Moraceae. They are colorful berries that look like elongated blackberries. They most commonly appear in purple, red, or black when fully ripe. There are different varieties of mulberries, and the most common types are black mulberry, white mulberry, and red mulberry, or American mulberry. In fact, white mulberry is gaining popularity as a superfood.

The taste of mulberries also depends on the variety. The white variety is very sweet, while the darker varieties have a tart-sweet flavor, mixing tartness with sweetness. Fresh mulberries can be eaten alone or made into smoothies, jams, cobblers, dessert sauces, and wine. Dried mulberries, which are very sweet, would make a good addition to food like granola and oatmeal. Fresh mulberries have 88% water and 60 calories per cup. They also contain iron, vitamin C, and other nutrients. Mulberries are said to help with blood sugar, cholesterol, and the risk of cancer.

What is Boysenberry?

Boysenberries are a cross between different types of berries, including the loganberry, American dewberry, European raspberry, and European blackberry. This means that they were not a berry that grew in nature but were created later by humans. Although the exact origin of this berry is not clear, Rudolph Boysen is attributed to its creation. In essence, Boysenberries are large aggregate fruits with a deep maroon color and large seeds. One berry is about 8 grams in weight. Boysenberries are plump and juicy, with the tartness of blackberries and sweetness of raspberries. They have thin skins and soft textures. Mature berries start to leak juice very easily and decay within a few days.

These berries grow on low, trailing plants. They grow well in warm climates. They are common in the summer and can be found in farmers’ markets as early as late May or early June and throughout the summer months.

Similarities Between Mulberry and Boysenberry

1. Both mulberries and Boysenberries are aggregate fruits.
2. Both have a similar sweet-tart taste.
3. They are usually harvested in the summer.
4. They may decay within days of harvesting unless frozen or canned.
5. Both can be eaten fresh or used in jams or desserts.

Difference Between Mulberry and Boysenberry

Definition

• Mulberry grows on deciduous trees in the Moraceae family, originating from Asia, Europe, and North America.
• Boysenberry is a hybrid berry derived from raspberry, blackberry, loganberry, and dewberry, developed by Rudolph Boysen.

Color

• Mulberries come in various colors, including red, purple, and black.
• Boysenberries have a deep maroon color.

Taste

• The taste of mulberry varies from sweet to tart-sweet, according to varieties. White mulberries are very sweet, while darker varieties have a tart-sweet taste.
• Boysenberry has a sweet-tart flavor, combining the flavors of raspberry and blackberry.

Trees vs Vines

• Mulberry grows on trees.
• Boysenberry grows on vines or bushes.

Availability

• Fresh mulberries are easier to find.
• Fresh Boysenberries are more challenging to find.

The following table summarizes the difference between Mulberry and Boysenberry.

Summary – Mulberry vs Boysenberry

Mulberry grows on deciduous trees in the Moraceae family while  Boysenberry is a hybrid berry derived from raspberry, blackberry, loganberry, and dewberry, that grows on low-trailing plants. While different mulberry varieties have different colors, like red, purple, and black, Boysenberries have a deep maroon color. This is the summary of the difference between Mulberry and Boysenberry.

FAQ: Mulberry and Boysenberry

1. What is the difference between a mulberry and a blackberry?

• Mulberries grow on trees, while blackberries grow on bushes. Blackberries are smaller than mulberries, and they usually have a black skin. In addition, mulberries tend to have a more intense flavor.

2. What is the difference between Boysenberry and Blackberry?

• Blackberries are black in color, while boysenberries are deep maroon in color. In addition, Blackberries have a tarter and tangier flavor, whereas boysenberries are sweeter and less tart than blackberries.

3. What is the difference between a mulberry and a raspberry?

• Mulberries grow on tall trees and are bigger and firmer than raspberries. Raspberries grow on bushes, are smaller and softer, and have a more intense sweetness.

4. Is mulberry a blueberry?

• Mulberries are not blueberries. In fact, Mulberries are not even considered true berries as they grow on a deciduous tree. Mulberry can be white, red, black, or purple, while blueberry is typically blue or purple.

Reference:

1. “What are Mulberries?” The Spruce Eats.
2. “What are Boysenberries?” All Recipes.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Mulberry in Libya” By Tarek Siala from Tripoli, Libya – Flickr (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Boysenberries” (GFDL 1.2) via Commons Wikimedia

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