Mulberry trees (genus Morus) can grow up to 15 metres tall. Historically, the tree's leaves were used for silkworm breeding. Today, however, its honey-sweet, raisin-like berries are its most valuable component, and contain vitamin C, minerals, and antioxidants such as resveratrol.
The most well-known species of mullberry trees in Europe are the black mulberry (Morus nigra), the red mulberry (Morus rubra), and the white mulberry (Morus alba), all of which bear edible fruits which differ in taste, especially when consumed fresh. The berries, which are similar in shape to blackberries, are made up of clusters of very small stone fruits. When eaten fresh, ripe mulberries are sweet and juicy. When dried, they become firm and develop an aromatically sweet, honey-like flavour.