A Brief History Of Beach Mulberry
Beach mulberry commonly known as Hippomane mancinella, is a tropical evergreen shrub or small tree native to coastal areas in the Caribbean, Central and South America, the Gulf of Mexico, and the eastern United States. It has been introduced and naturalized in other areas of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, parts of Southeast Asia, Oceania, and the West Indies. Beach mulberry is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, which consists of approximately 300 species worldwide.
The species was originally named and described by German botanist, Karl Siegmund Binder, in 1854, after it was discovered on the Florida Keys. Beach mulberry is often referred to by several other common names including: Beach Balsam, Toad Tree, Beach Hog Plum, Balsam Tree, and Ogeeche Plum. The plant thrives in a wide range of habitats, and some specimens are said to have lived nearly a hundred years!
Fruit, Flavor and Nutritional Content of Beach Mulberry
Beach mulberry is a versatile fruit, with a sweet and tart, citrus-like flavor that can be eaten fresh or cooked into dishes. It has a thin, papery outer skin that has a greenish yellow to golden color, when ripe. Its flesh is aromatic and soft, with a juicy texture that is full of several small seeds.
Beach Mulberry is an excellent source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Iron, Magnesium and Calcium. It is also rich in other antioxidants, including polyphenols and flavonoids, that can help protect against certain types of cancer and heart disease. The fruit also contains dietary fiber and can provide the body with antioxidants and minerals that can help combat free radical damage, helping to keep skin looking youthful and radiant.
Uses and Preparation of Beach Mulberry
Beach Mulberries can be eaten fresh, juiced, dried, or cooked into dishes. The skin can be peeled off and the sweet flesh scooped out with a spoon or added to smoothies, salads, or jams. As the fruit have a very short shelf life and deteriorate quickly, it’s best to use them straight away after harvesting and avoid storing for too long. Beach Mulberries can also be frozen and used in ice creams, sorbets and puddings.
Beach Mulberries can also be used for medicinal purposes. Their juice can help reduce inflammation and relieve digestive problems, as well as act as an effective tonic for the liver. The juice can also be used as a natural sunscreen, when applied to the skin.
Unique Cultivation of Beach Mulberry
Beach Mulberry can be grown in a range of habitats, but they are generally found in sandy coastal areas or in subtropical evergreen forests, where they prefer moderate humidity and well-drained soils with lots of organic material. Unlike many other tropical fruits, Beach Mulberry can grow in semi-shade as long as there is enough light in the immediate area, making it easy to cultivate in home gardens.
This tropical fruit is propagated by seed, although cuttings and grafting can also be successful. When propagating by seed, it’s important to wait until the seeds are ripe (usually during the summer months), remove the fleshy pulp and then sow the seeds in a sandy, nutrient-rich soil. The seeds should be kept sheltered from direct sunlight and maintain even moisture, up until germination.
Conclusion
Beach Mulberry is an incredibly versatile fruit that can be a tasty addition to many recipes. It is rich in essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, making it a key part of any healthy diet. Beach Mulberry can also be used for medicinal purposes, as its juice is known to help reduce inflammation and relieve digestive problems. The fruit can be grown in a range of habitats and with minimal effort, making it an ideal crop for those living in coastal and subtropical areas.