Health & Wellness10 Fun facts about Mulberry Silk

10 Fun facts about Mulberry Silk

As we know there is plenty of benefits of using mulberry silk. Mulberry silk is a luxurious fabric made from the cocoons of domesticated silkworms that feed exclusively on mulberry leaves. There are four types of silk found in the market Tussar Silk (Wild Silk), Eri Silk (Peace Silk), Muga Silk, and Mulberry Silk.

Mulberry silk is also considered the best type of silk known for its purity, fine weave and beautiful drape.

What is Mulberry Silk?- Mulberry Silk Benefits

Mulberry silk is a type of silk that is produced by silkworms whose scientific name is Bombyx mori that feed exclusively on the leaves of the mulberry tree also known as Morus spp. This type of silk is considered one of the finest and highest quality silk produced by silkworms which is also valued for its softness, lustre, and durability.

Mulberry Silk
Mulberry Silk- Source: Big Mattress Co.

10 Fun facts about Mulberry Silk

Here are the 10 fascinating fun facts about mulberry silk,

  1. Origin: Mulberry silk is produced by the silkworm called Bombyx Mori which feeds exclusively on the leaves of the mulberry tree.
  2. History: It was produced for the first time in China back over 5000 years ago during the  Neolithic period.
  3. Luxurious: As we all know it, silk is also known for its luxurious and smooth texture, it is highly prized in the textile industry for its softness and lustre.
  4. Protein Fiber: Mulberry silk has a natural protein fibre which is similar to human hair composed mainly of fibroin.
  5. Silkworm Rearing: During the process of producing mulberry silk you need to be very careful while rearing silkworms, where they feed mulberry leaves until they spin their cocoons.
  6. Harvesting: Similarly, you need to be very careful while harvesting cocoons, After the silkworms spin their cocoons. the cocoons need to be carefully harvested, they are usually used by boiling them to soften the sericin (silk protein) and then unwinding the silk filaments.
  7. Durability: It is a high choice for people because mulberry silk is surprisingly strong and durable.
  8. Hypoallergenic: Also, it is a great choice for the sensitive skin or allergies people, because mulberry silk is naturally hypoallergenic
  9. Thermoregulating Properties: Mulberry silk is highly loaded with Thermoregulating Properties which means it can keep up cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
  10. Many uses: Mulberry silk is produced in a wide range which also includes clothing, bedding, scarves, ties, and even medical sutures, because of its strength, durability and smoothness.

How is the silk produced from the Mulberry tree?

However, silk is not produced by itself it is produced from the mulberry tree. Where mulberry trees play a vital role in the production of mulberry silk as they are the primary source of food for the silkworm called Bombyx mori which is also the producer of silk.

Similarly, here is the process of producing silk from the mulberry tree.

Silkworm Feeding: Mulberry tress leaves are the main feeder for the silkworms. Where the mulberry tree leaves are rich in nutrients essential for the growth and development of silkworms. Silkworms are exclusively fed with mulberry leaves during their larval stage.

Silkworm Feeding
Silkworm Feeding- Source: Everything Silkworms

Silkworm Rearing: Silkworms are reared indoors in a controlled and suitable environment where they are usually deed on fresh mulberry leaves. The mulberry leaves directly affect the health and productivity of the silkworms, which ultimately influence the quality of the silk they produce.

Silkworm Rearing
Silkworm Rearing- Source: Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth

Formation of Cocoon: After leaving Slik to feed on mulberry leaves for several weeks, the silkworms enter the cocoon stage of their life cycle. At this stage, they spin cocoons using silk threads produced by specialized glands in their bodies. The high quality of the silk threads is influenced by the nutrients and proteins obtained from the Mulberry leaves.

Formation of Cocoon
Formation of Cocoon- Source: D’source

Cocoon Harvesting: Cocoon is the last and the complete stage of silkworm, the cocoons need to be carefully harvested. The cocoons are then processed to extract the silk fibre, which is spun into silk yarn and woven into fabric.

Cocoon Harvesting
Cocoon Harvesting- Source:www.xinhuanet.com

What are the benefits of using Mulberry Silk? Mulberry Silk Benefits

Mulberry silk has several health benefits, especially for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies. Similarly here is some of the health benefits of using mulberry silk,

  1. Gentle on the skin: However we know that mulberry silk is known for its soft and smooth texture which is gentle on the skin.
  2. Breathable: As we know mulberry skin is highly breathable which allows air to circulate freely through the fabric. This helps to prevent overheating and promotes better airflow, creating a comfortable sleeping environment.
  3. Natural Protein Fiber: Mulberry silk is a highly natural protein fibre. It contains an amino acid that has several benefits for skin and hair and also helps in maintaining moisture and promoting a healthy complexion.
  4. Durability: Mulberry silk is widely known for its strength and durability, which makes it a long-lasting betterment in health and comfort.

    Silk
    Source: peacecommission.kdsg.gov.ng
FAQs

What is Mulberry Silk?

Mulberry silk is a type of silk that is produced by silkworms whose scientific name is Bombyx mori that feed exclusively on the leaves of the mulberry tree which is also known as Morus spp. This type of silk is considered one of the finest and highest quality silk produced by silkworms which is also valued for its softness, lustre, and durability.

What are the types of Silk?

However, there are four types of silk found in the market, some types of famous silk are Tussar Silk (Wild Silk), Eri Silk (Peace Silk), Muga Silk, and Mulberry Silk.

Is Mulberry silk eco-friendly?

Yes, Mulberry silk is produced and is environmentally friendly, especially if sustainable farming practices are employed. Also, Mulberry silk is biodegradable which makes it a more eco-friendly choice compared to synthetic fabrics.

Is mulberry silk good for sensitive skin?

Yes, Mulberry silk is naturally hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin, which makes it an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies.

Can Mulberry silk be used for various purposes besides clothing?

Yes, Mulberry silk is used in a wide range of products, which includes bedding, scarves, ties, and even medical sutures, due to its strength, smoothness and durability.

Is Mulberry silk sustainable?

Yes, Mulberry silk is sustainable when produced using ethical and environmentally friendly practices. Additionally, Mulberry trees are perennial plants that require minimal water.

Also, read more about, Which is better for sleeping.: Soft vs Firm Pillow

Related Articles