➪  What is Mulberry Silk ?

The Mulberry Silkworm : Everything You Need to Know About This Insect

The Mulberry Silkworm, also known by its scientific name Bombyx mori, is a lepidopteran insect native to northern China. It is specifically bred to produce silk and does not exist in the wild. The Mulberry Silkworm was created through selective breeding, a technique known as sericulture. Its luxurious and sought-after fiber is known for its softness, shine, and durability. The Mulberry Silkworm has been domesticated since 2600 BCE, and it is raised for silk production mainly in China, India, Japan, and France.

Silk is produced by the Mulberry Silkworm during the larval stage when it secretes abundant saliva that transforms into a single strand of raw silk as it builds its cocoon. This silk strand measures between 300 and 1500 meters long and is produced by specialized glands called silk glands.

Silkworms feed exclusively on white mulberry leaves, which give the silk a superior quality due to the nutritious composition of these leaves. Once the silkworms reach maturity, they spin their silk cocoon, which can contain approximately 3000 meters of silk thread, but only a small portion of this thread is used for silk production.

To harvest silk, the cocoons are placed in boiling water to dissolve the glue that holds the cocoon together, allowing the silk thread to be unraveled without breaking.

In summary, the Mulberry Silkworm is a remarkable insect that has been bred for thousands of years to produce the finest and most precious silk.

Silk Soothes :

If you suffer from neck pain, stiff neck, or throat irritation, silk can help soothe these symptoms. Indeed, the softness and smooth texture of silk can reduce friction and rubbing on the skin, which can help alleviate inflammation and pain associated with these conditions. Additionally, silk is naturally hypoallergenic and breathable, which can help reduce skin and respiratory irritations. Don't hesitate to try a silk pillow, shawl, or mask to benefit from its soothing properties.

A Bit of History

In China, the discovery of the silkworm (Bombyx larva) is attributed to Empress Xi Ling-Shi. Legend has it that while drinking tea under a mulberry tree, a cocoon fell into her cup. When she tried to retrieve the cocoon, a soft silk thread detached from it, and the more she pulled, the longer the thread became. As she wrapped the thread around her finger to pull it further, she felt a pleasant warmth. The empress shared this discovery, and it spread. Sericulture was born! This story, the most well-known, is just one of many legends to explain the discovery of silk.

Different Types of Silk

. Mulberry Silkworm (which produces the finest and softest thread)
. Wild silk (silkworms that produce a thicker and less soft thread)
. Madagascar Silk (a very rustic brown thread produced by the borocera)
. Spider Silk
. Marine Silk (shell thread)
. Plant Silk
. Artificial Silk (viscose)...

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