Shahtoot Persian for King Mulberry generally refers to the Long Mulberry or King Mulberry most often associated with the species Morus macroura Himalayan Mulberry or Morus nigra Black Mulberry While standard mulberries are small and round the Shahtoot is prized for its extraordinary length and intense honeysweet flavor
1 Physical DescriptionThe Fruit The most distinguishing feature is its size Shahtoot berries can grow 5 cm to 10 cm 24 inches long resembling a slender finger or a caterpillar
Colors There are two main varieties
White Shahtoot Ripens from green to a creamy white or pale yellow It is famous for not staining hands or clothing
Red/Black Shahtoot Ripens to a deep red or purpleblack These are typically juicier but will leave strong purple stains
The Tree A fastgrowing deciduous tree that can reach 1012 meters in height though it is often pruned into a smaller weeping shape for home gardens It has large heartshaped vibrant green leaves
2 Flavor and TextureThe Shahtoot is widely considered the King of mulberries because it lacks the tartness of common varieties
Taste Extremely sweet often described as having notes of honey nectar and light tropical fruit like melon or apricot
Texture Firm and meaty when slightly underripe becoming soft succulent and very juicy when fully mature
Seeds Unlike blackberries the seeds are so tiny they are barely noticeable providing a smooth eating experience
3 Growth and CultivationClimate Native to the Himalayas Tibet Pakistan North India it is very hardy It thrives in temperate to subtropical climates and can tolerate both frost and heat once established
Fruiting Season Typically fruits in late spring and early summer A unique trait of the Shahtoot is its tendency to produce multiple flushes of fruit if pruned correctly
Hardiness It is droughttolerant and relatively pestresistant making it a favorite for lowmaintenance edible landscapes