**4. Conclusions**

To our knowledge, this is the first time that mulberry genotypes growing in the Salento area have been characterized, particularly in terms of phenols, anthocyanin analysis and biological properties. The biochemical analysis of di fferent mulberry genotypes confirmed that this fruit is rich in biologically active substances such as total phenols, o-diphenols, and anthocyanins, which are also responsible for strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Considering the high concentration of total phenols, particularly anthocyanins, and the free anti-scavenging properties, this "minor" fruit can be considered an excellent source of antioxidant compounds and *M. nigra* and *M. alba Legittimo nero* seem to be the most interesting genotypes. Moreover, in relation to the sugars and organic acid contents, it is important to observe that their contents positively influence consumer opinions.

Mulberry should be classified as a "functional food" and its use as fruit, juice, jams, or as a muesli component may be recommended in human nutrition because of its biological qualities. In fact, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the mulberry sugges<sup>t</sup> that its di ffusion and consumption would be beneficial to human health; hopefully, this fruit, if included in a regular diet, might be able to alleviate and/or control di fferent pathologies.

Moreover, the mulberry may represent a good plant species for more extensive re-implantation in marginal zones and/or degraded lands. Its cultivation in a territory such as the Salento, a site strongly suffering from a devastating *Xylella fastidiosa* infection, might give a positive boost to agriculture and, at the same time, protect the environment from further degradation.

**Author Contributions:** Conceptualization, C.N. and A.M.; methodology C.N. and A.M.; formal analysis, C.N.; investigation, C.N. and A.M.; resources, A.M.; data curation, C.N., A.A.; writing—original draft preparation, A.M.; writing—review and editing, A.M., A.A.; supervision, L.D.B.; project administration, A.M. and L.D.B.; funding acquisition, A.M. and L.D.B.

**Funding:** This research reived no external funding.

**Conflicts of Interest:** The authours declare no conflit of interest.
