Goji berries are a wonderful component of the Traditional Chinese Medicinal system. It spread to the United Kingdom when the third Duke of Argyll, Archibald Campbell introduced Goji Berries there. It’s still known as Duke of Argyll's Tea Tree. Other names used to refer to Goji berries are Wolf Berry, Red Medlar and Matrimony Vine. Goji Berries are pharmacologically known as 'Lycii Fructus'.
Goji Berries have significant nutritional content including:
• Calcium
• Potassium
• Iron
• Zinc
• Selenium
• Vitamin B2
• Vitamin C
Goji Berries also have important phytochemicals ranging from Beta-carotene and Zeaxanthin to Polysaccharides.
Goji Berries are ellipsoid in shape, orange red in color and generally 1-2 cm long. A berry carries any where around 10 to 60 seeds which are yellow in color and have a compressed embryo.
Goji berries are also used in culinary purposes. Traditionally they are cooked before consumption. Dried Goji berries may be added to rice congee as well as in some soups. Young shoots and leaves of Goji Berries are also available as a leaf market.
Goji Berries also have significant amount of macronutrients. 68% of the mass of dried Goji berries contains carbohydrates. 12% mass is protein, 10% of the mass is Fat and the rest 10% is fiber. Thus Goji Berries are an extremely good and health food supplement.
Goji berries are known in Asia as one of the most nutrient rich foods. Goji Berries are grown primarily in the People's Republic of China and Tibet. Goji berries are now included as a large product of the global functional food industry. The nutrient richness and antioxidants present in Goji Berries have earned them the name Superfruit.
In a number of western countries, dried Goji Berries are also eaten uncooked. They have a taste like that of a raisin, dried cranberries or dates. A touch of the taste of tomato is also presenting dried Goji Berries. Goji Berries are available in the form of dried berries, juice, and powder of pulp.
Interestingly, the Goji Berries are also bringer of festival to people. When Goji Berries are harvested in August, there is organized a large festival in the Ningxia Hui Autonomus region. August is the time of harvest of Goji Berries.
Goji Berries seem to have captured the fancy of a number of people and if you are one of them.
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