Introduction to Goji Berry
Goji berry, a tiny red-orange colored berry is a symbol of the longevity of life. It originates from the family of a nightshade plant found in several Mediterranean and Asian regions. The fruit has several health benefits.
Botanically, the fruit belongs to a nightshade plant family named Solanaceae. It is also known as matrimony vine and wolfberry.
The scientific name of the goji berry is Lyciumbarbarum. Wolfberries grow on a commercial scale in the Ningxia province of Northwest China. The ones raised in Zhongning are famous worldwide for their excellent quality.
Growth and plantation
It is thick woods, deciduous vine that requires well-drained loamy soil. The common cultivars of Goji are L. Chinese and L.barbarum. The height of the plant is around 2-3 meters. It begins to yield fruit in the next year after plantation. Small, purple flowers blossom in summer on the plant that undergoes self-pollination to produce raw green berries in bunches. The bright red-orange berries are ready for harvesting in August. Each berry is 2 to 2.5 cm in length and has a glossy, waxy skin. The inside of the berry is creamy white with scattered flat seeds at its center. They are hand-picked and dried in the sun for several days and then dispatched to the markets.
Benefits of Goji berry
The Goji berry has several physical health benefits. Few of them are mentioned below:
- The parts of the plant L. Barbarism is considered to be a functional food in Chinese culture. The berries are also very nutritive and contain essential vitamins, nutrients, minerals, and anti-oxidants.
- Goji berries which are red ripe and dry are an excellent source of calories, carotenoids, minerals and vitamins.
- Flavonoids and Antioxidant carotenoids are in plenty in the fruit. β -carotene, luteincryptoxanthin, and zeaxanthin play a significant role in protecting the mucosa and skin from the original injury.
- Flavonoids such as myricetin, quercetin, hesperidin, kaempferol, and rutin present in Goji berry act as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer agents.
- Vitamin A is found in dried as well as fresh Goji berries. Vitamin A is a natural and powerful anti-oxidant which is required by our body for the adequate maintenance of our mucosa and skin. It also plays a significant role in our best vision. Natural foods that are rich in Vitamin A protect the human body against oral cavity and lung cancers.
- Another antioxidant found in the fruit is Vitamin C. Dried Goji berries are a rich source of calcium.
Medicinal uses of the Goji Berry
- All the parts of the plant are considered to be of great importance according to Chinese medicine. The Chinese physicians believe that different parts of the plant are useful in four divisions throughout the year. Leaf in spring, the flowers in summer, its fruit in autumn and the roots in winter.
- The berries employed in medicines are for healing inflammations, used as a tonic for eyes and skin, to remove nervousness and sharpen your memory.
Selection and storage
Goji berries are dried and stored. Usually, in the United States, these dried fruits are available in Asian stores or supermarkets. In the farms, goji berries are plucking only when they are ripe and right for consumption. They are then handpicked from the bushes. The handpicked berries are then spread and allowed to dry for over 16 hours in the shade. Dried berries have shrunk skin. The dried berries are then packed and sent to stores. The dried berries will stay perfect for more than a year. If you want to extend the shelf life of the dried goji berries, it is best to refrigerate. When the ripe berries will stay only for three days, the dried berries can stay in good condition for months.
Serving the berry
Ripe and fresh berries are just right for consumption. But it is not advisable to consume ripe goji berries as they are toxic. We must henceforth avoid ripe ones. We can have dried goji berries just like the raisins. Make them soft after adding them to warm water for some minutes.
Conclusion:
By consuming an appropriate amount of the fruit will help you receive the maximum benefits available. You must be competent in selecting the berries and storing them properly for more prolonged use.
