Strawberries and Mulberries

Certain fruits can be harvested when they’re still unripe from the tree or shrub, and they gradually ripen over the following days as they’re stored. To aid in this process, these fruits are sometimes wrapped in paper. Chiku and Papaya are prime examples of such fruits. On the other hand, fruits like Pears undergo ripening over time, but if picked prematurely, they tend to soften rather than retain their desired crunchiness. While some prefer this softer texture, others enjoy the crispness of freshly picked pears.

Berries such as strawberries and mulberries cease ripening once they’re plucked from their mother plant. It’s best to wait for them to fully mature before indulging in their flavor and sweetness.

When it comes to strawberries, I rely on their color to gauge their ripeness. A fully ripe strawberry should boast a uniform red hue, devoid of any white streaks or large green patches. To safeguard them from moisture, I take a simple precaution: laying down dry leaves as mulch beneath the plants, ensuring the fruits don’t spoil from prolonged contact with damp soil. Additionally, I discreetly tuck the strawberries beneath their own green foliage to keep them inconspicuous to birds. While our orchard offers an abundance of mulberries for our feathered friends to enjoy, I make an effort to shield the few strawberries that we have from their attention.

Speaking of mulberries, ours are the petite black variety, wild and unhybridized. Their shelf life is notably brief. The optimal time for harvesting is when they attain a deep black hue and detach easily with a gentle tug between thumb and finger—no snapping sound should accompany the pluck. However, handling ripe mulberries requires caution as they have a tendency to stain clothes and fingers alike. With birds also avid fans of these berries, I also them enjoy these, especially the one on the upper branches that are hard for me to reach.

Among the array of berries, none quite rival the allure of plump, ruby-red strawberries and succulent, sweet mulberries. There’s a special joy in leisurely strolling by the berry bushes, plucking a few ripe treasures, and savoring each juicy bite mindfully. It’s these simple pleasures that embody the essence of slow living, encouraging a deeper connection with nature and oneself.

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