For public utility all people who have land within the boundaries of the city district … must keep and plant 3 fig trees, 3 blackberries, 3 granary apple trees and 3 almond trees, look after them and raise them (Barbieri – Fonte Ambiente – Il Gelso edited by Prof. Mauro Calice Istituto Comprensivo 4 di Modena). A statutory law of the Modena Republic of 1327 tells us about the importance of the Mulberry tree, renamed moro above, in the province of Modena, evidence of the ancient local productions linked to this plant. In fact, in the Po Valley, as in many other parts of Italy, it is still possible to find even centuries-old Mulberry trees, trees that from the 14th century until the Second World War were the true economic engine of our country.
Also known as the “Golden-Haired Tree” for its use in silk production, the Morus Alba, or White Mulberry, has characterized not only the agricultural landscape but also production activities for centuries, bringing the first industrialization processes to our province. Unlike its black brother, native to the eastern coasts of the Mediterranean and also known as the Black Mulberry, probably for its fruit, the white mulberry is native to China. Its history, always linked to that of silkworm breeding, owes its spread to the Chinese empress Si Ling Chi, who as early as 2,700 BC.
she noticed some caterpillars eating the leaves of the white mulberry tree before weaving their cocoon. Fascinated by the shine of the thread produced, ideal for creating an empress’s veil, she ordered that these silkworms be raised. She then began producing silkworms, and with them the white mulberry, the only plant capable, with its leaves, of nourishing these demanding caterpillars. When the secret of silk production was discovered in Europe in the 15th century, both the silkworm and the white mulberry were introduced, which spread rapidly. Unfortunately, at the beginning of the 20th century, with the introduction of synthetic fibres, which were certainly cheaper, silkworm breeding lost its economic importance and with it the cultivation of the white mulberry also suffered an inexorable decline.
The refinement of traditional balsamic vinegar in mulberry barrels
Thus, from a “silk” tree, for us the Mulberry has become the silk tree, thanks to the characteristics of its wood: soft and very porous, particularly suitable for containing vinegar, Mulberry wood guarantees a high oxygen exchange and good evaporation.
The Mulberry wood barrel is part of the team of woods that make up a traditional Acetaia del Cristo battery, together with Cherry, Juniper, Oak and Chestnut. Each battery can differ in composition, which ranges from a minimum of 5 barrels of different woods: shapes, volumes and woods that the batteries are made of are the most precious secret of the Acetaia manager.
If tradition dictates that each battery is made up of different barrels, both in terms of scaled size and type of wood, what has always characterized Acetaia del Cristo is the use of single-wood batteries, to create vinegars characterized by unmistakable flavors and aromas attributable to the essence. So to the traditional batteries composed of different woods, or to the only cherry batteries in Acetaia del Cristo there are batteries made only of Mulberry wood. Mulberry was the third single wood developed in Acetaia del Cristo, after cherry and juniper, also linked to the ancient use of this material for the production of the oldest barrels such as the Bologna lambruschine: the mulberry tree was in fact always cut down to feed the silkworms, expanding suddenly in the barrel, thus offering nice wide planks to make large barrels.
Mulberry single essence
At Acetaia del Cristo we can boast of being among the few, if not the only ones, to have Traditional and Extra Old Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP aged exclusively in Mulberry barrels: this uniqueness is due to the long history of our Acetaia, which has continued its work for four generations. The Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP aged in Mulberry barrels reflects the taste of white mulberries, sweet and acidic, giving extreme freshness to the taste as well as strong fruity sensations.
The Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP aged at least 12 years in Mulberry barrels is a delicious vinegar resulting from over 12 years of aging in this wood that gives a wealth of reassuring certainties in the wake of the balsamic notes. The best way to accompany the Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP Mulberry is to combine it with natural ingredients, creating a tasty and quick recipe. An example are the Baked Omelette Cubes with Grilled Vegetables and Balsamic Vinegar.
Traditional Modena DOP aged in Mulberry barrels, prepared for us by our friend Lorena Terenghi of the blog Bricioledisapori.it. > click here for the recipe
For those who want longer refinements, Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena DOP Extra Vecchio Gelso has developed the sweet and sour contrasts of the white berry blackberry, combining them with the typical characteristics and consistency of an Extra Vecchio Balsamic.
It is great on boiled meat and fish, as well as shellfish, but to accompany this hot summer we recommend trying a tasty and refined recipe, but simple and quick, created for us by Chef Bruno Barbieri: Involtini di ombrina con Aceto Balsamico Extra Vecchio Gelso > click here for the recipe.
If you want to savor the flavors and aromas of Mulberry, take advantage of a promotion designed for you until July 12!
Click below, access our shop and choose a balsamic vinegar refined in mulberry:
