Goji Berry “Wolfberry” Superfruit

Goji berries come from Asia, but you can also find some varieties of the plant growing in North America. They’re part of the nightshade family, which means they’re related to tomatoes and eggplants. In China, people have used them for a very long time. Over 2,000 years ago, a doctor visited a village where most people were over a hundred years old. There is a legend about the doctor and his discovery of the goji berry’s value.

After watching them for a while, the doctor realized that the people who lived the longest lived near the wells where goji berry trees grew. When the fruits fell into the water, they infused their nutrients into it. The villagers who lived near the wells drank the water and benefited from its nutrients. There are various versions of this story.

The history of goji berries traces back to Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, a book authored by Chinese emperor Shen Nong in 250 BCE, widely considered the oldest Chinese book on herbs and medicine. It is believed to contain complete information on agriculture. Additionally, another important book on the topic was authored by Li Shi-Zhen in the 16th century, which also has significant information about the goji berry.

Goji berry means wolfberry. A possible reason for the wolfberry name is that Chinese farmers spotted wolves seeking refuge amidst the thick vines of goji berry.

The majority of goji berries grow in Northwest China, where 200,000 acres of farmland are used for their cultivation. You can also find goji berry plantations in Inner Mongolia and Shaanxi.

In terms of taste, dried goji berries are similar to cranberries. They are not particularly sweet. The juice has a taste similar to tomato juice and a pleasant sourness that many enjoy.

The health benefits of goji berries are well recognized.
They are famous for their nutritional value and for promoting good health.

The goji berry plant, also known as “wolfberry fruit” in China, has been employed in Traditional Chinese Medicine for more than 2,000 years. According to several legends, monks in the Himalayan Mountains consumed goji berries steeped in hot water to enhance meditation and achieve superior wellness, vigour, longevity, energy, and stamina. What benefits do recent studies suggest exist for goji berries? They are low in calories, fat-free, high in fiber, and contain antioxidants that are beneficial in fighting free radicals that lead to illnesses. Additionally, goji berries can assist in effectively managing weight and experiencing better digestion. Goji berries are a nutritious and healthy food option. They are versatile and can be eaten raw, dried, or in liquid or powder form. Goji berries have a variety of phytonutrients, vitamins, and trace minerals, making them “superfood berries” according to many health experts. In a report by the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, it was found that goji berries can elevate energy levels, athletic performance, sleep quality, awakenings, focus on tasks, cognitive abilities, peacefulness, healthiness, happiness, and significantly reduce tiredness and tension.

So, what is a goji berry?

Goji berries are a type of fruit that grow on a boxthorn plant belonging to the Solanaceae family. This family also includes other common fruits and vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants and chili peppers. The goji berry is typically dried and has a sweet and tangy taste with a bright orange-red colour. Goji berry plants are originally from Asia, specifically from China, where they’re cultivated in both northern and southern regions. Two main types of goji berry plants are grown currently: L. chinense is cultivated in the south of China, while L. barbarum belongs to the north. The usage of goji berries for medical purposes in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be traced back to 200 B.C. Goji berry benefits are specified in “Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing,” an antique book that documents the agrarian and medicinal knowledge of the legendary Chinese emperor, Shen Nong, and represents the earliest existing work on Chinese herbs. In addition to the goji berry, various other parts of the goji plant, such as the flower, leaf, seed, and root bark, have been celebrated for their advantages.