Extraction Methods of Mulberry Plant

Historically, extraction of the mulberry plant was tied to sericulture and traditional medicine, where leaves, buds, and roots were washed, crushed, and boiled in water for several minutes. Ancient techniques also involved simple maceration, soaking plant parts in water or honey to preserve their medicinal properties. In early perfumery contexts, these natural materials were sometimes steeped in alcohol or subjected to basic distillation to capture their subtle botanical essence.

Modern extraction primarily utilizes solvent extraction with ethanol or water to produce concentrated mulberry extracts. Because natural essential oil yields are low, advanced technologies like ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) are now employed to increase efficiency and preserve delicate bioactive compounds. Recent innovations also include enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), which offer eco-friendly, residue-free alternatives for capturing the complex, milky green, and woody aromatic profile preferred in niche fragrance compositions.

The Mulberry note, often associated with a sweet, jammy, and subtly green fruitiness, is prominently featured in sophisticated woody-fruity compositions. A prime example of this pairing is **Floris Mulberry Fig Eau de Parfum**, a refined floral amber scent inspired by London’s St. James’s Park. This fragrance artfully blends the creamy-sweetness of mulberries with the sharp, green character of fig and violet leaf in the opening, which then settles into a heart of powdery orris and a classic woody base of cedarwood and sandalwood.

For a purer, more focused expression of the sweet berry, the note is famously celebrated in **Outremer Mure Musc (Mulberry Musk) Eau de Toilette**. This widely popular and affordable French fragrance centers its composition almost entirely on a simple two-note accord of ripe mulberry (Mûre) and white musk. It captures the authentic, sun-drenched sweetness of berries on the bush, establishing a benchmark for light, cheerful, and straightforward summer scents.

In the designer realm, the mulberry note is utilized to add depth and darkness to fruity floral categories. **Amethyst** by Lalique, a notable commercial release, uses a combination of mulberry and blackcurrant to create a deep, sophisticated, and slightly gothic berry profile, moving away from simple freshness. Furthermore, the note is highlighted in niche offerings such as **LabSolue 104 Gelso** (Gelso being Italian for mulberry) and modern artisanal blends like **In The Belly of The Beast** by Toskovat', where it lends a complex, wine-like sweetness and a nuanced, natural texture to the composition.

The seasonality of the mulberry plant is defined by a distinct annual cycle where flowering typically occurs in early to mid-spring, often between March and April. This is followed by a fruit development phase leading into a harvest season that generally runs from late spring through mid-summer, typically between May and July, though some black mulberry varieties may continue fruiting into September. The tree is a deciduous species that enters a period of dormancy during the winter months, with new growth and fertilization efforts ideally beginning in early spring as the soil warms. In many regions, mulberries are known for a brief but bountiful fruiting window that lasts approximately two to six weeks, during which the berries ripen gradually.