As a pedestrian it’s easy to overlook many details of street life, especially while texting, finishing off that last paragraph in your book, holding a coffee cup, a bag and trying to cross the street without bumping into people, or moving vehicles all at once. If we took a moment to put down our phones, books, beverages and become more present on the street we are bound to see many beautiful scenes unfold before our own eyes.
Mulberry trees are abundant in our environs, and you have probably seen them. They are those big green trees with black berries that fall easily onto the pavement. They get smashed really fast by pedestrians, and most dogs that walk by sniff them as though they were a treat. These trees grow well in New York City since they thrive in poor growing conditions, as they are strong and resilient just like us New Yorkers.
You know a mulberry fruit is ripe when it has turned black like a blackberry. Harvesting techniques vary but you can help yourself by removing berries with your hands (warning: they stain and actually make for a great natural dye), the stem is indeed edible, just make sure to give them a good rinse before eating. These berries have countless health benefits and contain resveratrol (found in red grapes, goji berries), vitamins C, A, E, K, iron, potassium, magnesium. Not so bad for a New York City street tree!
Butter Beans Blog 