Goji berry

According to the United States Department of Agriculture Germplasm Resources Information Network, it is also known as Chinese wolfberry, Barbary matrimony vine, bocksdorn, Duke of Argyll's tea tree, or matrimony vine. Unrelated to the plant's geographic origin, the names Tibetan goji and Himalayan goji are in common use in the health food market for products from this plant. The majority of commercially produced goji/wolfberries come from the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of north-central China and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of western China, where they are grown on plantations. The plants produce a bright orange-red, ellipsoid berry 1-2 cm long. The number of seeds in each berry varies widely based on cultivar and fruit size, containing anywhere between 10-60 tiny yellow seeds that are compressed with a curved embryo. The berries ripen from July to October in the Northern hemisphere. Renowned in Asia as a highly nutritious food, goji/wolfberries have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for about 1,900 years with claims that they: protect the liver help eyesight improve sexual function and fertility strengthen the legs boost immune function improve circulation Goji berries are rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. In recent years, goji juice has become popular as a health beverage. What do goji berries taste like? Goji berries have a mild tangy taste that is slightly sweet and sour. They have a similar shape and chewy texture as raisins. Common forms In traditional Chinese medicine, goji berries are eaten raw, brewed into a tea, added to Chinese soups, or made into liquid extracts. Goji juice is also available. Goji berries have appeared in snack foods in North America. For example, the health food store Trader Joe's sells a goji berry trail mix. Where to find goji berries: Whole goji berries are available at Chinese herbal shops. Goji juice can be found in some health food stores, online stores, and through network marketers.