(VNF) - The four seasons of North Vietnam allows local people to enjoy a variety of delicious fruits throughout the year. And the juicy sweet-and-sour mulberry is one among those natural gifts.

This picture was taken by the Master Chef of France 2015 Huynh Khanh Ly while strolling around Hanoi streets in April. On her Instagram, the talented young chef added lovely caption to describe mulberry, which is "rich in vitamine C, aromatic and photogenic".

So are you keen to find out more about this juicy-look fruit?

#1 Where to find it?

In the north of Vietnam, mulberry trees are widely grown in the Red river delta, in the central region, they are cultivated in Lam Dong province (central highland) and in Mekong delta in the south.

Mulberry trees are grown in different parts of Vietnam. (source: infonet.vn)

Mulberry leaves, particularly those of the white mulberry, are ecologically important as the sole food source of the silkworm, the cocoon of which is used to make silk.

In Vietnam, mulberries ripe in late March, lasting through the whole April. In other countries, it can be in late spring, summer or other time, depending on the cultivar. Quite often, people must touch the fruit to determine if it is ripe.

#3 What are mulberry's benefits to health?

Mulberry is a powerhouse of nutrients and is an excellent source of protein (3 ounces of mulberry has 9 grams of protein.)

Mulberries are filled with nutrients that are important for our body, including iron, riboflavin, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, phosphorous, and calcium, as well as a significant amount of dietary fiber and a wide range of organic compounds.

​The antioxidants found in mulberry are abundant. For instance, resveratrol, an antioxidant, is found plentiful in mulberries. It helps to promote heart health and overall vitality.

Scientific studies have shown that consumption of berries has potential health effects against cancer, aging and neurological diseases, inflammation, diabetes, and bacterial infections.

#4 How to enjoy

Similar to blackberry or raspberry, mulberries are integrated in various cooking recipes, such as in making tart, pie, ice-cream, jam, candies and even wine.

In Vietnam, most people like to make mulberry juice or syrup, then store them in the refrigerator as a favorite refreshing summer drink.

Mulberry juice, favorite choice to quench summer thirst in Vietnam (source: kgiaitri.com)

#5: What else to do with this fruit?

Mulberry can be used to produce natural food colorants and even natural dye for fabric. So, don't be surprise when hearing someone say he or she has turned a piece cotton lace into a lovely shade of purple at home, using the fruits you often consume as food/drink.

Dyring cotton lace using mulberry (source: http://blog.lostinparis.com.au)

( Phi Yen )