Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Shahtoot or Shahtoot mulberry

'Shahtoot' Mulberry
Shahtoot mulberry is sweeter tasting has longer fruit than other mulberries. It can be red, black or white,but is mostly black. It is said to have many health benefits and Mulberry trees are making a comeback into many productive gardens.
Shahtoot mulberries are the fruit of the Himalayan or Pakistan mulberry tree; Morus serrata or Morus macroura. They are found naturally at an altitude of between 1200 and 1700 feet in the Himalayan region. They differ from other mulberries because of their size, as they are elongated and can be five inches long. The name Shahtoot comes from the Farsi, meaning King of the Mulberries (toot being the name for mulberry in Farsi and Urdu).
BENEFITS FROM MULBERRIES
All mulberries contain resveratol which is believed to prevent cancer. It may also protect the cardiovascular system and can alleviate chronic inflammation and postpone the onset of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. It is also considered to be an antiviral.
In traditional medicine the Shahtoot has been used to treat various diseases including asthma, bronchitis, diarrhea, hypertension, insomnia and melancholy. They are considered “happy” fruits in the Punjab province of Pakistan. As they contain niacin and riboflavin, perhaps this is not surprising.
They also contain high levels of potassium which is an energy booster, repairs cell damage, and stimulates the immune system. So the fruit is packed with substances which help our overall health.
The young leaves are used as a boiled vegetable and used in tisanes and these also contain potassium, phosphorous and calcium. These act as a diuretic and help flush toxins out of the body. They can be blended with green tea for a more palatable taste.