Mulberry Honey (Sang Shen Mi)

Why people make this preparation

Fresh mulberries have a brief season each year — and when they appear, it is the ideal time to make a batch of mulberry honey. Fully ripe mulberries are rich in anthocyanins, the same deep-purple pigments found in blueberries and blackcurrants, and have long been used in Cantonese food therapy as a blood-nourishing, digestion-supporting tonic. Simmered down and preserved with honey, the juice becomes a convenient, beautifully dark syrup that keeps in the fridge and takes only seconds to use each morning.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• People who feel fatigued, have dull or sallow skin, or tend toward constipation
• Those who stay up late, get insufficient sleep, or have skin prone to breakouts — traditionally considered to benefit from regular blood-nourishing support
• People with uterine fibroids: this preparation is considered safe to take
• People with diabetes should limit intake — mulberries contain natural fruit sugars; fructose levels in the fruit can affect blood glucose. Limit to no more than about 60 g of fresh mulberry equivalent per day
• Children under 1 year: do not use honey; substitute with rock sugar or malt sugar

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Fresh mulberries (sang shen): One of the most highly regarded blood-nourishing fruits in the Cantonese food-therapy tradition. Rich in anthocyanins, iron, and vitamin C; traditionally associated with supporting the liver and kidneys, promoting intestinal motility, and helping maintain healthy skin. Also considered beneficial for those with tinnitus, poor joint mobility, or early ageing.
• Raw honey (feng mi): Adds viscosity and a smooth sweetness while providing its own gentle nourishing properties. The cooking process will reduce some heat-sensitive nutrients, but the honey’s function here is primarily to thicken and preserve the syrup. Rock sugar or brown sugar are valid alternatives.

Ingredients (1 jar)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Fresh mulberries	300 g	Choose fully ripe, deeply coloured berries; dried mulberries can be used out of season — choose the darkest variety
Raw honey	100 g	Or substitute with rock sugar or brown sugar in similar quantity

Method

1. Wash the fresh mulberries gently and drain thoroughly.
2. Place in a small pot with 3.5 bowls (approximately 875 ml) of water. Bring to a boil.
3. Simmer over medium-low heat for 30 minutes.
4. Strain through a fine sieve or muslin cloth, pressing gently to extract all the juice. Discard the pulp.
5. Return the strained juice to the pot. Add the honey.
6. Simmer over the lowest heat, stirring gently, until the mixture thickens to a syrupy consistency.
7. Allow to cool, then transfer to a clean glass jar and store in the refrigerator.
8. To serve: dissolve 1 tablespoon in a glass of warm water. Take twice daily.

Bro Niu’s tips

Store the finished syrup in the refrigerator. If using honey, note that heating will reduce some of its vitamin C and enzyme content — the syrup is primarily useful as a blood-nourishing food concentrate rather than for honey’s raw nutritional benefits. Rock sugar is an equally valid choice and avoids this concern entirely. This preparation is also helpful for those who frequently stay up late, have acne-prone skin, or experience dry skin — taken consistently over a few weeks.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (jenny1010): When adding the honey, should I wait for the juice to cool first? I understand that honey loses nutrients when heated. Also, if I use rock sugar or brown sugar, should I worry about too much sugar? Bro Niu: The main purpose of the honey here is to thicken and add a moistening quality to the syrup — some vitamin C will inevitably be lost during cooking. Rock sugar or brown sugar work well too; as long as you take just one tablespoon at a time, the sugar content should not be a concern.

• Q (Cheer): Are fresh mulberries easy to find? My mother has liver cirrhosis — is fresh or dried better for her? Bro Niu: Fresh mulberries appear seasonally — look at organic vegetable stalls or Chinese or Asian grocers when in season. After the fresh season ends, use dried mulberries — choose the deepest, darkest variety available. Mulberries are beneficial for the liver, so your mother can certainly use them.

• Q (CINDER): Can someone with uterine fibroids drink this? Bro Niu: Yes, this preparation is suitable for those with uterine fibroids.

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Published April 6, 2015 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.