"Super food for super health"

Goji (also gogi) berries have been known for centuries in Asia, but only recently have they gained popularity in the west, so that a multi-billion dollar business in goji berries is expected within the next several years. Also known as wolfberries, they contain at least eighteen amino acids, more iron than spinach and more beta carotene than carrots. Many have dubbed goji fruit as the most powerful, natural anti-aging food available.

The best goji berries, known as "red diamonds", are grown in the Ningxia region of China located in the north central part of the country. Goji berries grow on woody plants that grow between one and four meters tall. When dried, they have a nutty flavor. The flowers resemble columbine blossoms and are pale violet in color. The goji is related to the tomato family. They are so treasured that the Chinese celebrate a several-day wolfberry festival each August. Traditional growing areas are the flood plains near the Yellow River. A well-advertised marketing ploy is that the best berries are grown in the Tibetan Himalayas, but this is untrue. The Chinese harvest the red, oblong berries by shaking the plants. The most popular export products are dried or powdered berries, and in a juice. A wine product is being evaluated. Goji plants have been cultivated in England since they were introduced as a tea tree in about 1730 by the third Duke of Argyll. They are common as hedges and are still a favorite with most of England`s birds.

Dried berries are usually cooked before being eaten. They are most often used in soups or served in dishes such as rice congee. Both berries and leaves are used for tea. The bark can be applied as a poultice for infected wounds. The dried berries can be eaten as is. They have a slightly tart flavor. Goji berries are known for their multiple, tiny yellow seeds. These are truly miniscule and easily digested, but people with a lot of dental work, especially caps or veneers may find that the seeds get caught in their teeth. A handful of berries makes a healthy snack and seems to be a bit of a "pick-me-up."

In the alternative medicine field, goji is known for its positive effects on hepatitis B, because of the physalin produced by the berries. It is also used to treat heart and blood pressure conditions, as a memory enhancer, a treatment for breast and cervical cancer, an anti-inflammatory, and an antifungal, antibacterial. In a number of Asian countries, goji has a long history of treating allergies, chronic liver ailments, eye conditions, tuberculosis and rashes.