Mulberry Honey Concentrate (Sang Shen Mi Zhi)

Why people make this concentrate

Mulberries are one of those ingredients that look like an ordinary fruit but have a long history in traditional medicine. The deep, almost-black dried variety in particular is considered to be the “fully-ripened essence” of the mulberry tree — rich in anthocyanins and other compounds that modern research has found beneficial for the retina and general circulation. In traditional Chinese food therapy, mulberries are linked to nourishing the liver and kidneys, the two organs traditionally associated with the health of the eyes, hair, and intestines.

Rather than simply boiling a tea, this recipe calls for three separate extractions to draw out the full benefit of the dried fruit, then reducing the combined liquid to a thick syrup. The result keeps in the fridge and can be taken by the spoonful each morning and evening — a convenient habit for anyone who spends long hours looking at screens or is beginning to notice changes in hair or bowel habits.

Method

1. Rinse the dried mulberries and place them in a pot with 1.2 L of water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes. Pour off and reserve the liquid (first extraction).
2. Return the spent mulberries to the pot. Add another 1.2 L of water. Simmer for another 30 minutes. Pour off and reserve the liquid (second extraction).
3. Repeat a third time: add 4 more bowls of water, simmer 30 minutes, and collect the liquid (third extraction).
4. Combine all three extractions in a clean pot. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces to a thick, syrupy consistency. This may take 20–40 minutes.
5. Remove from heat. Allow to cool slightly, then stir in honey to taste.
6. Once fully cooled, pour into a clean glass jar and store in the refrigerator.
7. To use: take 1 tablespoon morning and evening, stirred into warm water.

Nourilo’s Tips

The deep-black, fully ripened variety of dried mulberry is the most nourishing — if you can find it, that is the one to use. It is available at Chinese or Asian grocers, or online. The reddish-brown kind (sometimes sold as “sang zao”) also works, though the black variety is considered more potent. Store the finished concentrate in the fridge and take it consistently for best results. Those with blood sugar concerns should check with a doctor before using honey-sweetened concentrates, and may simply reduce or omit the honey.