What is Shahtoot Called in English?

For those who belong to South Asia and/or the Middle East, Shahtoot is no stranger to them. This is that sweet, slightly tangy seasonal fruit that stains your fingers purple. However, should someone ask you about its name in English, it is simple: Shahtoot is known as Mulberry in English.

The mulberry fruit has a long history, a rich nutritional value, and different varieties are distributed across various parts of the world.

Shahtoot in English

Shahtoot is called Mulberry in English. The trees of the genus Morus bears these fruits. Mulberry belongs to the Moraceae family. The botanical name most commonly used for Shahtoot is Morus alba (white mulberry), although it is a general term for all types of mulberry.

The name “Shahtoot” is of Persian origin. It is a combination of "Shah" (king) and "Toot" (mulberry). So the literal meaning of Shahtoot is "the king's mulberry" or "superior mulberry. It's an appropriate name for a fruit that's been cherished for thousands of years throughout Asia and the Middle East.

What Does Shahtoot Look Like?

The fruit of mulberry is elongated and resembles a blackberry, but is usually a bit larger and is borne on a tree, not a bush. The fruit is approximately 2-5cm long. At maturity, depending on the variety the colour changes to deep purple to black, red or white.

It is sweet and slightly tart with a soft and juicy texture. Black varieties are more tart and white varieties are sweeter and milder.

Shahtoot Names in Different Languages

Shahtoot or Mulberry is known by several names in different languages:

Three Main Types of Mulberry (Shahtoot)

There are three main species of mulberries. They each have a different taste and come from different places, and are used in different ways.

White Mulberry( Morus alba) 

White mulberry is native to eastern and central China, and is the most commonly grown species in South Asia. The fruit is ripe pale green to white or pale pink. Less tart than the other varieties, sweet and mild in flavor. The white mulberry is the most important food plant of the silkworm, and it is the main plant of the silk industry.

Black Mulberry (Morus nigra)

Black mulberry grows naturally in southwestern Asia, especially Persia and Caucasus. Its deep dark berries contain anthocyanins and are the most flavored mulberry. The fruit is strong sweet-sour. The bark, berries and leaves of black mulberry have been traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine for conditions like sore throat, constipation and inflammation.

Red Mulberry (Morus rubra)

Red mulberry is indigenous to North America, primarily in the eastern United States and parts of Canada. The fruit is soft, sweet and packed with vitamins and antioxidants. It's especially recognized for its immune system boosting properties.

A Brief History of Shahtoot (Mulberry)

Mulberry fruit is one of the oldest fruits that have been cultivated by humans. It is thought to have been brought to China where it was cultivated as early as 4000 BC for its fruit and leaves. The tree became an integral part of the ancient Silk Road economy because of silkworm cultivation, which relied solely on mulberry leaves.

The fruit was introduced to the West via Persia and the Middle East, where it was called Shahtoot. Mulberry trees were introduced to North America in the 17th century by European settlers. The fruit became established over the centuries in warm and temperate areas of Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.

Interesting Facts about Shahtoot ( Mulberry)

1. The fruit is called Mulberry in English and Shahtoot in Hindi/Urdu/Persian.

2. Shahtoot is a Persian term, which means "king's mulberry" or "superior mulberry.

3. Mulberry belongs to the genus Morus, and has three major varieties: black mulberry, white mulberry, and red mulberry.

4. It is consumed throughout Asia, Europe and North America and has been cultivated since 4000 BC.

5. Mulberries are rich source of polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants from plants, in addition to that it contains vitamin C, vitamin K and dietary fibre, which offers several health benefits.

What is Shahtoot called in English?

Shahtoot is called Mulberry in English. It is the fruit of a tree belonging to the genus Morus. Morus alba or white mulberry is the most common species in south Asia.

Is Shahtoot the same as blackberry?

No, Shahtoot (mulberry) and blackberry are two different fruits. Blackberries are similar in appearance and are a member of the genus Rubus, which has thorny bushes. Mulberries are found on trees. They also have different flavors and textures. The taste of mulberries is a little sweeter and milder than blackberries.

What does Shahtoot mean in Persian?

Shahtoot is a Persian word meaning "king's mulberry" or "superior mulberry. The name of “Shah” refers to the king, “Toot” is mulberry. The name is indicative of the high value placed on the fruit by the Persians and South Asians.

So the next time someone asks you what Shahtoot is called in English, you will have far more than a one-word answer.

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