Morus Shin Tso

Morus alba 'Shin Tso' is a hybrid of the White Mulberry tree, whose fruits are black when ripe and considered by enthusiasts to be more flavourful than those of the white mulberry. This variety produces large, elongated, sweet, juicy, and fragrant mulberries, which reveal an original sweet and sour flavour. It also makes an excellent shade tree due to its wide crown and dense, lush deciduous foliage. The fruits of the Japanese mulberry 'Shin Tso' are harvested between July and September. It is very hardy and resistant to heat and drought once well-rooted.

The 'Shin Tso' mulberry belongs to the Moraceae family. According to nomenclatures, it is called Morus x 'Shin Tso', Morus alba x bombycis 'Shin Tso', or Morus bombycis ‘Shin-Tso’. It is commonly called the Japanese mulberry. The white mulberry is native to the Indian Himalayas and Pakistan, but cultivated elsewhere. Morus bombycis (Morus australis), the plane-leaved mulberry or plane tree mulberry, is native to Asia and was introduced to Europe in the early 20th century. Like all trees in the Moraceae family, it produces latex in its tissues. 

The 'Shin Tso' mulberry is a tree with a short, thick trunk, topped by a spreading crown that can be somewhat irregular if not pruned. Its growth is rapid during the first few years, then slows down. It can reach 5 to 9m in all directions. Its light grey bark cracks and thickens, then turns grey-brown. The deciduous leaves can have a different appearance depending on the age of the tree and their position on the branches. They measure 6 to 8cm in diameter, 10 to 20cm in length, and are alternate, petiolate, usually divided into 3 to 7 lobes, with irregularly toothed margins. The shiny upper surface is light green, turning golden yellow in autumn.

The 'Shin Tso' mulberry quickly bears fruit, it can produce after 5 years of cultivation, depending on the conditions. This self-fertile variety develops male or female flowers in different locations on the same plant in March-April. Its discreet flowering consists of male or female catkins composed of tiny green-yellow flowers. In June-July, the female flowers produce fleshy fruits up to 8cm long. Their colour changes from green to red, then almost black when ripe. They are edible, but loved by birds. The taproot and running root system of this tree does not tolerate transplanting well. Its strength means that it should be planted at a respectable distance from buildings. Its lifespan can reach or even exceed 150 years.

Morus alba 'Shin Tso' grows in fertile, well-worked, and well-drained soil, in a sunny location. It tolerates cold and summer drought well. Uncultivated land benefits from its presence, as its leaves gradually enrich the soil each autumn. Traditionally used as a street tree, it can also be planted in a fruit hedge, especially with blackthorns, Elaeagnus umbellata, and other ornamental apple trees loved by birds. It can also be a beautiful specimen, planted alone in the middle of a lawn. The chicken coop will benefit from its beneficial shade, and the chickens will enjoy its fruits. Avoid planting it near the terrace, as its fruits stain the ground. Its leaves can be used as food for silkworms and it tolerates pruning very well.

The fruits of the 'Shin Tso' white mulberry are consumed fresh or cooked. They have a pleasant taste and are rich in vitamin C and D. They are also used to make jams and jellies or to garnish pies. They add a touch of sweetness to summer salads and fruit salads. Their flavour pairs well with blackberries (wild blackberry or garden blackberry) and stone fruits such as apricots, plums, and peaches. Those who enjoy sweet and savoury flavours can use them to accompany pork, duck, or game. They also pair well with basil, mint, spices used in pastry, rocket, cream, mascarpone, and citrus fruits.