Archive for the ‘Goji Berry’ Category

Growing Goji Berries

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

In the Valleys of Tibet and Mongolia there is a special berry the locals cherish so much they honor it in celebrations that last two weeks each year. Goji Berries contain more protein than whole wheat, more beta-carotene than carrots and 500 times more vitamin C by weight than oranges. It has been well documented that many people in these regions where Goji Berries grow live free of common diseases for well over a hundred years.


These Tibetan Goji Berries are grown Organically in fertile protected wild areas of Inner Mongolia, with vines that reach to over twenty feet. These special berries are grown in one of the most pristine environments in the world, free from any pesticides or industrial pollutants.


How to grow Goji berries


Here is a summary of suggestions and ideas that will help you grow your own Goji berries:


Cultivation and Care Seeds should be sown in spring, 0.5 to 1 cm under the surface, preferably covered with medium sand. Once the seedlings emerge (7 days) and begin to crowd each other they can be planted out. If signs of wilting occur followed by seedling death, treat with a fungicide such as Fongarid and move to a more sunny location.


These berries need sun and adequate water. Shrub up to 3 meters with berries up to 2 cm long. Likes sandy soil, drought tolerant once established. Plant in full sun for best berry production. Dislikes water logging. Plants begin fruiting once 2 years old and will produce heavy crops in the 4th to 5th year.


Goji Berry Plants are easy to grow once they are established. They will grow in almost any type of soil, light sandy, Medium-loamy, and heavy-clay, but they tend to flower and fruit better in a well-drained soil of moderate quality.


Goji Berry plants have an extensive root system and are very drought tolerant once established. Goji Berry plants prefer full sun to partial shade, but plant them in full sun for the best Goji Berry production.


Young Goji Berry Plant


Goji Berry plants can survive winters down to -15 degrees Fahrenheit and hot summers above 100 degrees. The Goji Berry grows as a thick bush reaching 8-10 feet tall with vines that can get 12 feet long. Heavy pruning of the Goji Berry plant will keep this bush looking nice and will also help it produce more delicious Goji Berries.


In early summer this beautiful plant is covered with small trumpet shaped flowers. Both purple flowers and white flowers are on the same Goji plant. Goji berry plants add color to any landscape with their delicate flowers. These rare edible plants are available for the first time in the United States from Timpanogos Nursery.


Goji Berry Flowers


In late summer these pretty little flowers are followed by glossy, bright red Goji Berries. The Goji plant continues to flower and produce Goji Berries right up until the first heavy frost. The fresh Goji berries are incredibly juicy and sweet.


Fresh Ripe Goji Berries


Goji Berry plants begin to fruit when they are 2 years old. Heavy yields can be expected from Goji plants that are 4 to 5 years old.


Grown as a House Plant?


The Goji Berry can be grown indoors if given enough light. Goji Berries can be grown under a strong, full spectrum, artificial light or they can be set by a window that gets direct sunlight for at least 8 hours every day. It is best to grow the Goji plants outside as they do much better, but we have grown them successfully indoors.


Potted Indoor Goji Berry Plant


If you choose to grow the Goji Berry as a houseplant, you will need to pollinate the flowers by hand. The above plant has been grown indoors, is one year old and has many green berries that are not visible in the photo.


Every Goji Berry plant order comes with complete growing instructions, tips on how to increase yields, fertilizing, pruning, harvesting, etc.


Why should you choose Goji berries?


The Goji berries contain 19 amino acids, 21 traces of minerals including germanium besides more proteins than whole wheat. This fruit is the richest ever known natural repository of carotenoids of all the known foods in the world. It also contains large quantities of Vitamin C, Vitamin B complex and Vitamin E.


The other known vital elements contained in Goji berries are Sitosterol, essential fatty acids, Cyperone, Solavetivone, Physalin and Betaine.


BENEFITS


The benefits of Goji Juice are many, feedback from Goji Juice drinkers has shown that it may help assist with;


Dissipation of aching and discomfort in muscles and joints

Improvement in vision

Increased flexibility

Improved quality of sleep

Sharper memory and a more focused train of thought

Heightend energy levels

Quicker recovery from excercise and physical acitivity

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Delicious Ways to Serve Goji Berries

Sunday, May 16th, 2010


One of the most nutrient dense fruits in existence is the goji berry, also known as the wolfberry. This orange-red berry can be found in mass quantities in China but grows in many different regions. It can be considered a ’superfruit’ because of its nutritional content, and has even been mentioned on the Oprah Winfrey show along with acai berry, another superfruit. Goji berries look like orange raisins as they are usually always dried before being marketed for consumption.

If you prefer to eat whole berries instead of getting your goji from a powder or capsule supplement, you can purchase the dried berries at some supermarkets, farmers’ markets and health food stores. You can also order dried goji berries online. Consider dipping the berries in dark chocolate, which is a healthy choice itself because of the high level of antioxidants. The slight sweetness of the chocolate sets off the mild tangy flavor of the berry. You can buy chocolate covered goji berries or make your own by melting dark chocolate to use as a dipping sauce.

Of course you can eat dried goji berries plain if you enjoy their flavor. Try making a trail mix with dried goji berries, raisins, seeds, nuts and granola. This makes a delicious energy-boosting snack for between meals that can easily be taken on the go.You can also buy goji juice and drink it plain or mix it with other juices like blueberry, grape, pomegranate and acai. If you enjoy smoothies by all means add goji berry juice to your usual recipe. There are a variety of recipes available online that feature this nutritious berry.

There are many advantages to consuming goji berry in any form. This berry is packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It has been an important part of traditional Chinese medicine for many years as it has anti-inflammatory properties, may help relieve nausea and prevent vision loss associated with aging. Goji berries are a delicious way to improve the nutritional content of your diet. Whether you eat them plain, with decadent dark chocolate or drink goji berry juice you can be assured you’re making a wise dietary decision.

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Health Benefits of Goji Berry Juice

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

The goji berry is a reddish-orange fruit also known by the name wolfberry. Cultivated primarily in the East and used in traditional Chinese medicine, this nutrient rich berry is consumed after being dried or juiced. If you can’t find dried goji berries in your area or don’t care for the taste or texture, goji juice can be a great way to get your daily serving of this so-called superfruit. So what makes goji so special? Read on to find out!

Goji berries contain high levels of antioxidants, which help fight free radicals in the body. Free radicals cause damage to healthy cells through oxidation. By consuming antioxidants like those in goji berry juice, free radicals can be neutralized and existing damage may even be repaired. Antioxidants aren’t the only beneficial components found in these exotic berries. Goji berries contain high levels of vitamin C, protein, minerals, amino acids and even vitamin E which is rare in the fruit world. Another component unique to goji is called germanium, a mineral that is not found in any other type of fruit.

There are many reports of health benefits associated with goji berries. These berries may help regulate blood pressure and blood sugar, prevent vision degeneration associated with aging, boost immune function and relieve nausea. It has been noted that goji berry juice has been used by expectant mothers to relieve nausea due to morning sickness. Because there are so many nutrients in this berry there are many potential health benefits which are being studied. What is known about the health benefits of goji berry now is most likely only a fraction of what will be discovered.

There are no negative side effects associated with the consumption of goji berry juice. Always buy organic to ensure you’re getting pure juice that is not contaminated with fertilizers, pesticides or other chemicals. There are many manufacturers of goji berry juice that sell their products online and in health food stores and some supermarkets. The taste of goji juice is a combination of sweet and sour. Goji juice can be consumed on its own or blended with other fruit juices.

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Organic Goji Berries — Tasty and Nutritious

Monday, September 7th, 2009

You may have heard about goji berries recently in the news media. This small orange-red berry packs a nutritional punch, making it one of the healthiest fruits you can consume. While it’s common knowledge that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is beneficial for health, many people don’t know the richest sources of nutrients and antioxidants when it comes to produce. Consider adding organic goji berries to your diet as they are brimming with healthy goodness.

Also known as the wolfberry, the goji berry contains a higher level of beta carotene than carrots, more iron per serving than spinach and loads of vitamin C. These berries also contain trace minerals, 18 amino acids and even vitamin E, which is hardly ever found in fruit. Organic goji berries are produced without harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. They are dried before being sold for consumption and look similar to raisins. They are sweet and tangy — and can even help curb sugar cravings. Most people describe the goji berry as a mix of cranberry, cherry and raisin when asked what it tastes like.

Dried goji berries make the perfect snack. They are easily portable and can be enjoyed on their own or mixed into trail mix. These Asian berries have been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine and as a food item. The protein in goji berries give them an advantage over other fruits, as does the polysaccharide content. They are rich in antioxidants, which help neutralize and prevent cell damage caused by free radicals.

If you can’t locate organic goji berries in your local supermarket, try a whole foods market or a health food store. You can easily find dried goji berries for sale online from a variety of companies. There are even dried goji berries dipped in dark chocolate for an even bigger antioxidant boost. Whether you enjoy these berries on their own, with chocolate or as part of a trail mix one thing is for sure, they are a smart dietary choice. You may also want to consider organic goji juice, another effective way to consume this berry.

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What are Goji Berries?

Saturday, September 5th, 2009

The goji berry is also commonly known as the wolfberry. Sometimes you will see goji referred to by its source of origin such as Tibetan goji. A member of the boxthorn species and the Solanaceae family, relatives of the goji berry include tomato, chili pepper, eggplant, potato, tobacco and nightshade. While these berries grow in areas around the world, China is the largest source of commercially cultivated goji berries.

Goji berries are reddish-orange in color and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. Recently they have gained popularity in the West because of their high content of nutrients and antioxidants. One of the so-called superfruits, goji berry can be found in a wide variety of nutritional supplements and products. One thing you won’t find, at least outside cultivation areas, are fresh goji berries for sale. Goji berries are usually dried like raisins before being eaten.

You can also find goji berry juice, which can be consumed as is or added to a blend of other juices. There are no known side effects of goji berries or goji berry juice. These berries are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids and as mentioned previously, antioxidants. Goji berry has a higher concentration of beta carotene per serving than carrots, and even contains Vitamin E which is rare in the world of produce. Goji even has anti-inflammatory properties thanks to the presence of beta-sitosterol. And, it may even help reduce or prevent age related macular degeneration. There are reports of this berry being used to quell morning sickness in pregnant women.

If you’re wondering what goji berries taste like, the flavor of this berry and its juice can be described as tangy and sweet, somewhat similar to the taste of a raisin. Whether you should consume goji berry in dried form, juice form or supplement form depends on your personal preferences. Before purchasing any goji supplement product read the labels carefully as some supplements combine goji berry with other ingredients depending on the purpose of the supplement.

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