Mulberry Paste (Sang Shen Gao)

Why people make this paste

When fresh mulberries are in season — deep black, glossy, and irresistible — it is the perfect moment to put some to good use beyond fresh eating. Half a batch goes into a simple mulberry jam for spreading on bread or crackers, and the other half becomes this nourishing mulberry paste (sang shen gao), combined with goji berries and pitted red dates. The paste keeps in the fridge and can be stirred into a cup of warm water for a pleasant daily tonic.

Mulberries are rich in vitamin B, vitamin C, carotenoids, calcium, and organic acids. Traditional Chinese food therapy has long associated them with supporting the nervous system, improving sleep quality, supporting memory, and contributing to hair vitality — making them particularly interesting for anyone who has noticed early greying or mental fatigue.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suitable for most adults, including pregnant women (see Q&A below)
• Those with a tendency toward cold digestion or loose stools should use the paste in smaller amounts
• No known serious contraindications for this preparation at moderate intake

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Mulberries (sang shen): One of the classic yin-nourishing fruits in Chinese medicine; traditionally associated with enriching kidney-liver essence, supporting hair color, calming the nervous system, and benefiting the eyes
• Goji berries (gou qi zi): A mild and sweet tonic associated with nourishing liver and kidney yin, supporting eyesight, and strengthening the blood
• Red dates (hong zao): Nourishing and calming; traditionally used to replenish blood, ease the mind, and add natural sweetness to preparations
• Brown sugar (chi sha tang): Gently warming; in small amounts it helps the body receive the nourishing ingredients and acts as a natural preservative

Ingredients (approx. 1 jar)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Fresh mulberries	200 g	Washed, drained, chopped
Goji berries	200 g	Rinsed
Red dates, pitted	200 g	Chopped
Water	5 bowls
Raw cane sugar or brown sugar	400 g	Added after cooking

Method

1. Wash all fruit ingredients, drain well, and chop roughly.
2. Place mulberries, goji berries, and dates in a pot with 5 bowls of water.
3. Simmer over low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the sugar and continue simmering, stirring until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes a loose paste.
5. Allow to cool, then transfer to a clean glass jar and store in the refrigerator.
6. To serve: dissolve 1 tablespoon in a cup of warm water and drink. Take once or twice daily.

Bro Niu’s tips

The other half of those mulberries can be turned into a simple fruit jam very easily. Rinse and drain the mulberries, chop roughly, then simmer over low heat while stirring constantly with a wooden chopstick. After 6–8 minutes, add sugar and stir until dissolved. You will notice tiny seeds floating to the surface as the fruit cooks — you can skim them off or leave them in, as they do not affect the flavor. Spread on toast or crackers.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (reader): Can pregnant women eat mulberry paste? Bro Niu: Yes, mulberry paste is safe to eat during pregnancy.

• Q (姚姚): Can all three of these ingredients — mulberry, goji, and red dates — be used to make a fruit wine? Bro Niu: Yes, all three can be used for making wine in rice spirit.

• Q (yeungyeung): I want to make mulberry wine. How should I clean the mulberries and dry them for this? Bro Niu: Rinse the fresh mulberries clean and drain them well, then arrange them on a plate and steam for about 7 minutes. Let them cool, place in a glass jar, pour rice spirit over them, and steep for two days. Strain out the mulberries, seal the jar, and store in a cool place. Ready to drink whenever you like.

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Published November 26, 2014 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.