nCa-AI Collaborative Report
Research Report on Mulberry Trees in Turkmenistan
Introduction
Mulberry trees (Morus spp.) are a cherished part of Turkmenistan’s landscape, thriving along roadsides, in farmlands, and near homes. Valued for their fruit, leaves, and bark, these trees are deeply embedded in local culture. Turkmenistan recognizes two main types: white mulberries (Morus alba) and black mulberries (Morus nigra), further categorized into short (tut) and long (shatut) varieties. This report explores the population, yield, culinary and medicinal uses, home remedies, recipes, global market trends, and opportunities for Turkmenistan to engage with the international mulberry market, alongside additional relevant insights.
This report looks at the uses of mulberry tree, fruit, leaves and bark in the areas other than sericulture. The sericulture in Turkmenistan is a separate topic, on which we have produced another report.
1. Approximate Population of Mulberry Trees in Turkmenistan
Precise data on the number of mulberry trees in Turkmenistan is scarce. However, their widespread presence is well-documented, with reports indicating that mulberry trees are found near nearly every house and farmland (ORIENT News). This suggests a population likely in the millions, given their long history of cultivation and naturalization in the region. The trees’ drought-resistant nature and minimal environmental requirements contribute to their ubiquity in Turkmenistan’s arid climate.
2. Approximate Annual Yield of Mulberries in Turkmenistan
No specific figures are available for the annual yield of mulberries in Turkmenistan. Mulberry trees are primarily grown for local consumption and sericulture (silk production) rather than large-scale commercial fruit production. Drawing from regional data, such as in Turkey, where a single mulberry tree yields approximately 10-20 kg of fruit annually, Turkmenistan’s abundant trees could produce thousands of tons of fruit each year (ResearchGate Mulberry). This estimate remains speculative due to the lack of direct data.
3. Culinary Uses of Mulberry Fruit
Mulberry fruit is highly versatile in culinary applications, enjoyed both locally in Turkmenistan and globally. Common uses include:
| Culinary Use | Description |
| Fresh Consumption | Eaten raw as a sweet-tart snack, popular among locals. |
| Jams and Jellies | Preserved with sugar to create spreads for year-round use. |
| Baked Goods | Incorporated into pies, cakes, muffins, and scones for flavor and color. |
| Beverages | Used in juices, wines, teas, and syrups, often for their vibrant taste. |
| Desserts | Added as toppings for yogurt, ice cream, or blended into smoothies. |
| Savory Dishes | Included in salads or used in sauces to complement meats. |
In Turkmenistan, mulberries are a cultural staple, often consumed fresh or in traditional recipes, reflecting their deep-rooted significance (Hilda’s Kitchen).
4. Medicinal Uses of Mulberry Fruit, Leaves, and Bark
Mulberry trees have a rich history in traditional medicine, particularly in Chinese and regional practices. Their medicinal properties are attributed to various compounds:
| Part | Medicinal Uses |
| Fruit | Acts as a laxative due to high pectin content; may help regulate blood sugar levels; rich in antioxidants to reduce inflammation (Healthline Mulberries). |
| Leaves | Used to treat diabetes by slowing carbohydrate absorption; contains 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) for blood sugar control; used in teas for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects (Healthline Mulberry Leaf). |
| Bark | Contains morusin, potentially offering antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective benefits; used for cough, sore throats, and bronchitis (ScienceDirect Mulberry). |
These uses are supported by traditional knowledge and preliminary research, though further studies are needed to confirm efficacy.
5. Home Remedies Using Mulberry Fruit, Leaves, or Bark
Mulberry trees provide several home remedies, widely used in Turkmenistan and beyond:
| Remedy | Preparation and Use |
| Mulberry Leaf Tea | Brewed from dried or fresh leaves to manage blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and promote wellness (Tua Saúde). |
| Mulberry Fruit for Digestion | Consumed fresh or dried to relieve constipation due to its laxative properties. |
| Mulberry Bark Decoction | Boiled to create a remedy for respiratory issues like cough and bronchitis. |
| Mulberry Leaf Extract | Applied topically for skin conditions, leveraging anti-inflammatory properties. |
Mulberry leaf tea is particularly popular for its potential to support diabetes management, reflecting its accessibility and cultural relevance (Rishi Tea).
6. Recipes with Mulberry as an Ingredient
Mulberries feature in a variety of recipes, showcasing their adaptability:
| Recipe | Description |
| Mulberry Pie | A classic dessert with mulberries baked in a flaky crust (Forager Chef Pie). |
| Mulberry Jam | A preserve made by cooking mulberries with sugar and lemon juice (Hilda’s Kitchen). |
| Mulberry Muffins | Moist muffins with mulberries mixed into the batter (Hilda’s Muffins). |
| Mulberry Sorbet | A refreshing frozen treat from pureed mulberries and sugar (Honest Food). |
| Mulberry Curd | A creamy spread made with mulberries, eggs, sugar, and butter (Cooks Pyjamas). |
| Mulberry Tea | Brewed from leaves, often combined with herbs for flavor (Tua Saúde). |
| Mulberry Smoothie | Blended with yogurt, bananas, and other fruits for a nutritious drink. |
These recipes highlight mulberries’ sweet-tart profile, making them a favorite in both sweet and savory dishes (Drizzle Me Skinny).
7. Global Market for Mulberry Products
The global mulberry market is experiencing robust growth, driven by demand for natural and nutrient-rich products:
| Aspect | Details |
| Market Size | Valued at USD 38.4 billion in 2023, projected to reach USD 59.0 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 4.5% (MarketResearch Mulberry). |
| Key Applications | Dietary supplements (45% market share), pharmaceuticals (30%), cosmetics (25%) (Global Insight). |
| Trends | Rising interest in organic, sustainable, and plant-based products; growth in health and wellness sectors (GII Research). |
| Key Players | Kingherbs, Botanic Healthcare, Herbal Creations, and others (Valuates Fruit Extract). |
Mulberry leaf extract is particularly valued for blood sugar regulation and antioxidant properties, while fruit products like jams and juices cater to health-conscious consumers (Valuates Leaf Extract).
8. How Turkmenistan Can Tap into the Global Market
Turkmenistan’s abundant mulberry trees present significant opportunities to engage with the global market:
| Strategy | Description |
| Commercial Cultivation | Shift from local use to large-scale fruit production for export. |
| Value Addition | Develop products like dried mulberries, jams, teas, and supplements (FreshPlaza). |
| Export Opportunities | Target markets in Asia, Europe, and North America with high demand for natural products. |
| Sustainable Practices | Promote eco-friendly farming, leveraging mulberries’ drought resistance (ScienceDirect Sustainable). |
| Certification | Obtain organic or fair trade certifications to access premium markets. |
| Research and Development | Innovate new products, such as mulberry-based functional foods or cosmetics. |
| Market Access | Build trade relationships with countries like China, India, and the US. |
These strategies align with global trends toward sustainability and health-focused products, positioning Turkmenistan as a potential player in the mulberry market.
9. Additional Useful Information
- Cultural Significance: Mulberry trees are nostalgic in Turkmenistan, often linked to childhood memories of picking fruit (ORIENT News).
- Silk Production: Mulberry leaves support sericulture, offering a secondary market opportunity (FAO Mulberry).
- Environmental Benefits: Drought-resistant and adaptable, mulberry trees are sustainable in Turkmenistan’s arid climate, aiding biodiversity (AgMRC Mulberries).
- Nutritional Value: Mulberries are rich in vitamins C, K, E, iron, potassium, and antioxidants, earning superfood status (WebMD Mulberries).
Conclusion
Mulberry trees are a vital resource in Turkmenistan, offering culinary, medicinal, and economic potential. Their abundance, cultural importance, and adaptability make them ideal for both local use and global markets. By investing in commercial production, value-added products, and sustainable practices, Turkmenistan can capitalize on the growing demand for mulberry products, enhancing its agricultural and economic landscape. /// nCa, 22 April 2025
Disclaimer: This report has been prepared in collaboration with AI and checked and edited by human editors. However, nCa or anyone affiliated with nCa cannot be held responsible for any problems or complications arising from the use of this report. Ed.
Key Citations
– ORIENT News Agency – Legend tree – mulberry or morus plant (https://orient.tm/en/legend-tree-mulberry-or-morus-plant/)
– Wikipedia – Agriculture in Turkmenistan (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agriculture_in_Turkmenistan)
– Healthline – Mulberry Leaf Uses, Benefits, and Precautions (https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mulberry-leaf)
– Healthline – Mulberries 101 Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits (https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/mulberries)
– ScienceDirect – Medicinal parts of mulberry for diabetes treatment (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464623002190)
– MarketResearch – Mulberry Market Size, Share, Growth (https://marketresearch.biz/report/mulberry-market/)
– GII Research – Global Mulberry Market 2023-2030 (https://www.giiresearch.com/report/dmin1336678-global-mulberry-market.html)
– Valuates – Mulberry Fruit Extract Market Report 2024 (https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-39V14522/global-mulberry-fruit-extract)
– Valuates – Mulberry Leaf Extract Market Report 2024 (https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-39E7314/global-mulberry-leaf-extract)
– Global Insight – Mulberry Leaf Extract Market Size, Trends (https://www.globalinsightservices.com/reports/mulberry-leaf-extract-market/)
– Forager Chef – Mulberry Recipes and Techniques (https://foragerchef.com/category/wild-fruit/mulberry-recipes/)
– Forager Chef – A Classic Mulberry Pie Recipe (https://foragerchef.com/mulberry-pie/)
– Cooks Pyjamas – Simple Delicious Mulberry Curd Recipe (https://thecookspyjamas.com/mulberry-curd/)
– Hilda’s Kitchen – 26 Must Try Mulberry Recipes (https://hildaskitchenblog.com/recipe/26-must-try-mulberry-recipes/)
– Hilda’s Kitchen – Favorite Mulberry Muffins Recipe (https://hildaskitchenblog.com/recipe/favorite-mulberry-muffins-recipe/)
– Drizzle Me Skinny – 25 Best Mulberry Recipes (https://drizzlemeskinny.com/mulberry-recipes/)
– Honest Food – Mulberry Sorbet Recipe (https://honest-food.net/mulling-mulberries/)
– Allrecipes – Mulberry Pie Recipe (https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/18463/mulberry-pie/)
– Allrecipes – Mulberry Kuchen Cake Recipe (https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/254198/mulberry-kuchen-cake/)
– Tua Saúde – Mulberry Tea Health Benefits (https://www.tuasaude.com/en/mulberry-tea/)
– Rishi Tea – Mulberry Leaf Tea Benefits (https://rishi-tea.com/blogs/journal/mulberry-leaf)
– [WebMD – Health Benefits of Mulberries](https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-mulberries)
– FreshPlaza – Turkmenistan’s Hemsaýa Dried Fruit Production (https://www.freshplaza.com/europe/article/9614308/turkmenistan-s-hemsaya-enterprise-commences-dried-fruit-production/)
– ScienceDirect – Mulberry for Sustainable Development (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266671932030011X)
– FAO – World Distribution and Utilization of Mulberry (https://www.fao.org/4/x9895E/x9895e02.htm)
– AgMRC – Mulberries Agricultural Marketing Resource (https://www.agmrc.org/commodities-products/fruits/mulberries)
– [ResearchGate – Mulberry Production Economy in Turkey (https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Mulberry-production-area-production-quantity-number-of-trees-and-yields-in-Turkey_tbl2_323660370)