FAQs

When heading to a U-Pick farm, it’s a good idea to bring a few essentials to ensure you have a pleasant and productive experience. Here’s a list of items you might want to consider bringing:

  1. Sun Protection: If you’re going to be out in the sun, bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.

  2. Bring waiver form with you  : Waiver form

  3. Containers or Bags: Bring containers or bags to carry your harvested produce. Some U-Pick farms may provide containers, but it’s always good to have your own just in case.

  4. Water and Snacks: Stay hydrated by bringing water, especially if you’ll be out in the sun for an extended period. Snacks can also keep you energized during your picking adventure.

  5. Cash: To purchase membership or day pass.

  6. Hand Sanitizer: Keeping your hands clean is important, especially when handling food. Bring hand sanitizer or wet wipes for convenience.

  7. Camera or Smartphone: Capture the fun memories of your U-Pick adventure by bringing a camera or smartphone to take photos of the beautiful scenery and your bountiful harvest.

  8. Bug Spray:  Bring bug spray to protect yourself from bites.

  9. Comfortable Clothing: Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes suitable for walking around in fields or orchards.

  10. Reusable Bags or Containers: Consider bringing reusable bags or containers for transporting your freshly picked produce home. This helps reduce waste from disposable bags.

Remember to also have fun and enjoy the experience of picking your own fresh fruits or vegetables straight from the Passion Gardens Farm. On side note, PASSION GARDENS is our home too! Be gentle when visiting, please!

The terms “Pakistani mulberries” and “Himalayan mulberries” are often used interchangeably to refer to the same type of mulberry. Pakistani mulberries are also known as Shahtoot, Long Mulberries, and Tibetan mulberries. They are characterized by their very long, dark ruby red-purple mulberries, which can grow to be 3 to 4 inches in length and have a sweet raspberry/blackberry-like flavor. Some people compare the taste to that of Boysenberries.

 

The Pakistan Mulberry tree is favored for its self-fertile, fast-maturing nature, drought tolerance, and continuous harvest throughout the season.

WHITE MULBERRY: White Mulberry fruits are generally very sweet but often lacking in the tartness that can be found in the Red and Black Mulberries.

BLACK MULBERRY: Black mulberry originates from western Asia, specifically Iran and Afghanistan.


CHINESE VARIETIES: There are more than 1,000 cultivated varieties of mulberry in China, originating from the four main species: Lu mulberry, White mulberry, Mountain mulberry, and Guangdong mulberry.


The ‘Pakistan’ cultivar originated in Pakistan and has extremely large, sweet ruby-red fruit 3 to 4 inches long with firmer flesh than most other named cultivars. The tree has large heart-shaped leaves that become lobed over time.

Mulberries are packed with powerful antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron, and vitamins K and E, making them a “superfood.” They are bursting with vitamins, minerals, and a range of nutrients, including vitamin C, iron, vitamin K1, potassium, and vitamin E. Additionally, the deep color of mulberries is a sign of powerful plant compounds within, such as anthocyanins, which contribute to the fruit’s antioxidant capabilities.


It’s fascinating to learn about the impressive nutritional profile of the Pakistan Mulberries! From being a rich source of vitamin C, iron, vitamin K, potassium, and vitamin E to containing powerful antioxidants and anthocyanins, our mulberries indeed pack a punch when it comes to health benefits.


The diverse array of nutrients found in our Pakistan Mulberries underscores their potential to contribute to various aspects of health, including skin health, immune support, blood clotting, and cellular protection from oxidative stress. The presence of anthocyanins further enhances the fruit’s antioxidant capabilities, making it a valuable addition to a nutritious diet.


The versatility of our Pakistan Mulberries, whether consumed fresh or incorporated into various products like fruit juice, tea, wine, and jam, provides an appealing and flavorful way to benefit from their abundance of nutrients.

Research suggests several potential health benefits of Pakistan Mulberry:


REGULATING BLOOD SUGAR: Pakistan Mulberry can slow down the increase in blood sugar after meals, particularly beneficial for individuals with Type 2 diabetes.


HEART HEALTH: Pakistan Mulberries and mulberry extracts can lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of excess cholesterol building up in arteries.


METABOLISM: The high iron content in Pakistan Mulberries supports the production of red blood cells, which can be beneficial for metabolism.


GUT HEALTH: The fiber content of Pakistan Mulberry supports digestion by aiding the smooth movement of food through the gut, helping to prevent constipation, bloating, and cramping.


IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT: Pakistan Mulberries provide a significant amount of vitamin C and vitamin E, supporting the immune system and increasing natural defense against illness and infection.


Research on the health benefits of Pakistan Mulberry is mainly test-tube based or on animals at the moment, and studies in people are needed before more conclusions can be made. For more detailed information, you can conduct further research using the keywords ” Pakistan Mulberry Health Benefits.”

 

The Pakistan Mulberry variety is known for its intensely fruity and sweet flavor, making it popular for fresh consumption or for use in desserts such as cobblers – an iced drink made with wine or sherry, sugar, and lemon. Its taste is described as so intensely fruity and sweet that it can make other mulberries seem bland in comparison.

Mulberries, especially Pakistan Mulberry, are not commonly found in grocery stores due to the difficulty in harvesting and their limited refrigerated shelf life of two to four days.

 

Selecting and picking dark, juicy, naturally sun-ripened fruits and consuming them directly from the trees, or within one to two days of bringing them home is strongly recommended for the best flavor.

PASSION GARDENS is located at 635D MIRAMONTE AVENUE, MORGAN HILL, CA 95037.

On the picking day, bring narrow-rim hats or sport caps, and your preferred disposable gloves, baskets or boxes for packing, water bottles, and a completed Waiver Form . Bags and backpacks are not allowed in the garden.

NOTE: PASSION GARDENS would also provided disposable gloves, baskets, and boxes for packing for free upon request.

STORAGE: Ripe Pakistan Mulberries last between 2-4 days if kept cool and well-ventilated (put in a mesh colander in front of an oscillating fan like we do at PASSION GARDENS, for example.) They can also be frozen for use in smoothies, jams, compotes, and baked goods throughout the year.

 

SUGGESTED USES: Eating our sun-riped Pakistan Mulberries directly from the tree is strongly recommended, but they can also be enjoyed frozen, making them taste like delicious mulberry popsicles throughout the year.

To make mulberries last a day or two longer, consider washing and air-drying them before freezing. This method preserves their quality and makes them perfect for use in smoothies, jams, baked goods, or for enjoying individually like mini frozen mulberry popsicles all year round.

Pakistan Mulberries are considered the best variety of mulberries for several reasons. They are known as a “superfruit” due to their delicious taste, marvelous texture, vibrant color, and nutritional powerhouse status. These qualities make Pakistan Mulberries a top choice, particularly for those who value both flavor and nutritional benefits.

Black mulberry fruits, including our Pakistan Mulberries, contain pectin, which may act as a laxative. Additionally, phytochemicals present in black mulberry fruit and twigs might have blood sugar-lowering effects.

In addition to the exclusive right to self-picking at our Gardens by our VIP Members, our Pakistan Mulberries can be purchased online, or BEST by texting us at (669) 293- 2466 to set up an appointment for pick-up at PASSION GARDENS (We will reply to text only).

Delivery options are also available with a flat fee of $10 for any quantity within the County of Santa Clara, or at a minimal charge depending on the location within the State of California.

At PASSION GARDENS, payment methods accepted include our exclusive Gift Vouchers, Venmo, cash, and credit card payments.

PASSION GARDENS Gift vouchers of various face values can be conveniently purchased online or by texting us at (669) 293-2466.

We are proudly introducing our inaugural offering for 2024: the PASSION GARDENS Annual VIP Membership.

For just $20, verified with a photo ID, our Members would gain exclusive access to self-picking privileges at PASSION GARDENS throughout the 2024 season.

The accompanied non-members, if any, would require a $10 Day Passes – one per visitor, that can be available for purchase online, or by texting us at (669) 293-2466.

You may secure your spot with a pre-confirmed $10 Day Pass, one per visitor, available for purchase online, or by texting us at (669) 293-2466 without a Membership.

You can also acquire a $10 Day Pass at the gate, contingent upon availability for the day.

You can buy our Pakistan Mulberries online, or BEST by texting us at (669) 293- 2466, and set up an appointment for pick-up at PASSION GARDENS.

You can also have them delivered to your home with a flat fee of $10 within the County of Santa Clara, or at a minimal delivery charge depending on your location in the State of California.

We open for Member-only self-picking at PASSION GARDENS every Saturday and Sunday during the harvest season of May (4&5,11&12, 18&19, 25&26) and June (1&2, 8&9, 15&16,) 2024 – from 9AM to 2PM.

Our hours are subject to change based on weather, so please follow us on Instagram (here) or text us at (669) 293- 2466 to confirm and receive the latest announcements.

Yes. PASSION GARDENS will be selling one hundred (100) Pakistan Mulberry trees in the coming years, exclusively to our VIP Members.

Pre-orders of up to two (2) trees per VIP Member are being accepted on a first-come-first-served basis.

Yes. PASSION GARDENS will be selling one hundred (100) Pakistan Mulberry trees in the coming years, exclusively to our VIP Members.

Pre-orders of up to two (2) trees per VIP Member are being accepted on a first-come-first-served basis.

Dogs are not allowed at the fruit picking areas (including our own guard dogs) due to food safety requirements. This policy is in place to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and to maintain a clean and safe environment for fruit picking.

Yes. Restroom facilities with disability access are available at PASSION GARDENS. This ensures that our VIP Members with disabilities have access to the necessary facilities during their visit to our gardens.

Yes. There might be other fruits such as Purple Passion fruits, Loquats, White Dragon fruits, Green Caviar Lemons, etc. available in very limited quantities, and reserved for our VIP Members only on a first-come-first-served basis.

 

Text us at  (669) 293- 2466 to inquire of their seasonal availability in 2024.