The mulberry season in Lam Dong is one of the most anticipated moments of the year, as vibrant gardens of ripe mulberries showcase their alluring shades of red and purple, offering a distinctive sweet-and-sour flavor unique to this highland region. More than just a delicious fruit, mulberries are the key ingredient for crafting various enticing dishes and beverages that reflect the rich local culinary tradition. Let’s explore the beauty and unique flavors of the mulberry harvest in Lam Dong—a truly unforgettable experience for anyone who loves this enchanting land.
Lam Dong Mulberries: Golden Season of the Highlands
Lam Dong, with its cool climate and optimal soil conditions, is one of Vietnam’s largest regions for mulberry cultivation. Every spring, from late March to early April, the mulberry gardens begin to burst with ripe fruit, creating a breathtaking scenic view. Hanging clusters of mulberries, tucked beneath lush green leaves, transition from tender green to vibrant red, culminating in deep purple—a sign of peak ripeness that’s irresistible.
A cluster of ripe mulberries in Da Lat
The mulberry season isn’t merely about harvesting; it’s also an excellent time for local residents to introduce tourism activities, showcase products, and promote their culinary culture. Visitors during this season can take in the stunning beauty of mulberry gardens, pick ripe fruits with their own hands, and savor the fresh, delectable taste of the fruit right there in the farms.
Mulberry Cuisine: From Rustic to Sophisticated
Mulberries are not only enjoyed fresh but are also used to make a variety of dishes and beverages. From rustic staples like mulberry syrup and mulberry jam to more elaborate creations like mulberry wine, mulberry yogurt, or mulberry panna cotta, every recipe carries the distinct flavor of Lam Dong mulberries.
Mulberry Syrup: A Refreshing Summer Drink
Mulberry syrup is one of the most popular refreshments during summer. The refreshing sweet-and-sour taste of mulberry syrup helps beat the scorching heat and offers a revitalizing sensation. The method for making mulberry syrup is straightforward, allowing you to make it at home or buy it from specialty shops in Lam Dong.
Mulberry Jam: Sweet and Flavorful
Mulberry jam is a favorite snack for many. Its sweetness, combined with a slight tang from the fruit, creates an irresistible flavor. Mulberry jam can be enjoyed directly, spread on bread, or used as a filling for baking and dessert decoration.
Mulberry Wine: A Unique Specialty Beverage
Mulberry wine is a signature alcoholic beverage from Lam Dong. Made from ripe mulberries, fermented and distilled following traditional methods, mulberry wine boasts a beautiful ruby-red hue, a rich aroma, and mild sweetness. It’s perfect for parties or as a thoughtful gift.
Mulberry Yogurt & Panna Cotta: A Modern Fusion
In addition to traditional recipes, mulberries are also utilized in modern desserts like mulberry yogurt and panna cotta. The mix of mulberries’ sweet-and-tangy flavor with the creamy richness of yogurt or fresh cream results in delightful treats that have won hearts far and wide.
Tips for Buying Fresh Mulberries in Lam Dong
If you’re looking to buy fresh mulberries in Lam Dong, there are many convenient options available. During the harvest season, you’ll find roadside vendors selling mulberries along major tourist routes. Alternatively, you can head directly to mulberry farms or order online from local specialty websites.
Freshly harvested mulberries
Here are some tips for choosing the best mulberries:
- Choose ripe fruits: Look for mulberries that are dark purple or red, plump, and free of blemishes.
- Check freshness: Fresh mulberries will have green stems and won’t appear wilted.
- Buy directly at farms: Purchase mulberries right at the farms to ensure freshness and fair prices.
- Verify the source: Make sure to buy from reputable sellers with clear sourcing details to guarantee food safety.
DIY Recipes for Mulberry Delights
If you’d like to try making your own mulberry dishes, here are simple recipes for mulberry syrup and jam.
How to Make Mulberry Syrup
Ingredients:
- Mulberries: 2 kg
- Sugar: 800 g – 1 kg
Instructions:
- Wash the mulberries thoroughly and soak them in lightly salted water for 15 minutes.
- Briefly boil a pot of water, cool it to around 70°C, and soak the mulberries in it for 1–2 minutes before draining.
- Layer the mulberries and sugar alternately in a pot, ending with a layer of sugar.
- Cover the pot and let it sit overnight; by morning, the mulberries will release their juices, and the sugar will dissolve.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 40–45 minutes.
- Let the syrup cool before straining out the liquid and storing it in glass jars in the refrigerator.
Mulberries being prepared for syrup
How to Make Mulberry Jam
Ingredients:
- Mulberry pulp (leftover from making syrup)
- Sugar (adjust to taste)
Instructions:
- Puree the mulberry pulp in a blender.
- Pour the mashed mulberries into a saucepan, add sugar, and simmer over low heat until the mixture thickens into jam.
- Cool completely, transfer to glass jars, and store in the refrigerator.
Mulberries soaked with sugar
Mulberries: Not Just Food, But Medicine
Beyond their delicious taste, mulberries offer numerous health benefits. They’re rich in vitamin C, carotene, and organic acids, which help boost immunity, relieve constipation, and cool the body during summer. In traditional Eastern medicine, mulberries are known to have a sweet taste and cool nature, providing advantages such as liver and kidney nourishment, blood enrichment, and relief from joint pain.
Fresh, plump mulberries in a bowl
Mulberry Season: A Must-Experience Adventure in Lam Dong
Lam Dong’s mulberry season is a memorable journey for anyone captivated by this highland region. Visiting during this time allows you to marvel at picturesque mulberry gardens, savor freshly-picked fruits, delve into unique local culinary traditions, and enjoy the fresh, cool air of the highlands.
A scenic view of mulberry gardens in Lam Dong
So why wait? Plan your trip to Lam Dong during mulberry season and immerse yourself in the wonders that this remarkable land has to offer!
Conclusion
The mulberry season in Lam Dong is not just a time for harvesting; it’s an opportunity to discover the natural beauty, culture, and gastronomy of this highland region. From rustic snacks to refreshing beverages, mulberries have become a vital part of local life and an irresistible draw for visitors. Experience the sweet charm of mulberry season in Lam Dong—a journey you’re sure to cherish on your exploration of Vietnam.