Mulberry silk is a special type of silk made by silkworms that are fed exclusively on leaves from the mulberry tree. This article describes why mulberry silk is the finest quality silk in the marketplace.
Mulberry silk is made by the Bombyx Mori, a domesticated silkworm whose diet consists exclusively of leaves from the mulberry tree. The mulberry-fed silkworm spins a cocoon, which is unravelled into a single long mulberry silk fibre; several fibres are then spun into silk thread. It’s then woven into silk fabric that is used to make bedding, clothing, and accessories.
The mulberry leaf is a nutrient-enriched, sustainable food source for the bombyx Mori moth. Silkworms who feed exclusively on mulberry leaves produce cocoons of fine, strong, and uniform fibres. Mulberry silk is widely recognized as being the highest quality silk on the planet; it is known as the longest, strongest, and purest in colour. One mulberry silk strand was unravelled to close to a mile in length. The strong, unbroken fibres make for a smoother, softer material.
Mulberry silk is a natural fibre. It contains sericin, a protein produced by the silkworm, it is hypoallergenic, resistant to dust mites, and non-irritating to the skin. Mulberry silk fabric also has a unique structure that allows it to wick moisture and regulate body temperature.
Silk production is an art and science that originated in China more than four thousand years ago this process is known as sericulture. The luxurious, silk fabric was even used as currency in China.The secrets of silk were exclusive to the Chinese and passed through generations.
In the second century B.C. China opened trade with the West through the routes of the Silk Road through Asia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and Europeand lasted until the 14th century A.D.Silk production spread to the West and by the 15th century, France and Italy were known leading manufacturers of silk in Europe, a position they held for several centuries. Today, China is once again the largest manufacturer of cultivated silk.
The silk industry has survived many threats through the centuries, including outbreaks of disease that attack silkworms, mass manufacturing, and the development of synthetic fibres.
To watch more about how silk was made check out the link. Below.