In this episode of Fruit Love Letters, Jessamine Starr chats with 

• Peter Coles, writer, photographer, researcher and teaching fellow at Goldsmiths, University of London

• Weston Lombard, co-founder of Solid Grounds Farm and Solid Ground School in Millfield, Ohio

Episode Highlights

The Ubiquitous History of Mulberries

• Peter discusses his co-founded project: Morus Londinium, which documents and preserves the heritage of mulberry trees in London. 

• Listen as Peter breaks down the three kinds of mulberry trees (black, red, and white) and where each tree originates.

• We learn how the rise of the Silk Road was the catalyst for the massive planting of mulberry trees across the world. 

• From failure to opportunity: Britain’s failed attempt to enter the silk industry opened the doors of just eating the fruits black mulberry trees produced

• Peter shares his favorite humble street corner locations of mulberry trees in London and the history of when the trees were planted.

• Peter explains why the native red mulberry has become endangered in the US due to crossbreeding with imported mulberry trees from Britain’s second attempt at the silk industry.

Mulberry Trees Are More Than Weeds

• Fruit without chemicals: Weston is committed to growing fruit without chemicals and shares his start in permaculture and progress with mulberry trees

• Weston shares why he thinks it is important to change the viewpoint of mulberry tree as just a weed tree, as it also produce good fruit

• If you need more uses for your local mulberry tree, Weston shares other ways he utilizes mulberries.

• Weston wants more mulberry trees grown so more people can have access to fresh berries and as a way to easily engage with nature

Final tip from Peter Coles: Have mulberry stained fingers? Pick a leaf or unripe mulberry from the same tree, crush it and rub it on your fingers and it will remove the stain!