Goji Berries (Lycium barbarum)

The Far East has long been the source of some of the world’s most potent and nutritious functional foods, many of which have been in use for thousands of years by doctors and herbalists. In today’s world where more and more attention is being paid to healthy living, these plants, herbs, and fruits have been experiencing a large influx of renewed interest. Among these newfound natural food wonders, the goji berry has gained some exceptional notice.
Goji berries are harvested from evergreen shrubs that can only be found in the temperate and subtropical regions of China, Mongolia and the Himalayas in Tibet. The fruits bear the scientific name lycium barbarum, and also go by the name wolf berries. The plant is a member of the nightshade family. The fruits themselves are small, shriveled, red berries which look remarkably like red raisins.

Goji berries have had a long and illustrious history.  Their use has been recorded as far back as 6,000 years all across China, Tibet and India. It was one of the key components of ancient medicine, and was used as a remedy for a large number of illnesses and conditions. Goji berries were said to have the ability to prevent liver damage and improve a person’s eyesight. It was also prescribed as an aphrodisiac, able to boost sexual function and fertility. It was also given to people who wished to strengthen the muscles of their legs, and was recognized for its ability to boost immune function, improve circulation, and promote longevity.

Modern science has unlocked the reasons behind the goji berry’s many health and medicinal benefits. For one thing, the fruit is rich in antioxidants, particularly in carotenoids such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. Zeaxanthin is a substance that helps protect our eyes’ retinas by absorbing blue light and acting as an antioxidant that prevents cell damage. Recent studies have found that an increased intake of zeathanthin rich foods may help decrease the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the leading cause of blindness and vision impairment in people over the age of 65.

Goji berries have become known as the ‘longevity fruit’ and for very good reason. It contains large amounts of antioxidants, the substances in our bodies that fight off free radicals and prevent cell damage. This gradual cell damage is responsible for visible signs of aging and the development of both genetic and age related diseases, such as cancer and dementia. The berry’s unique combination of polysaccharides influence our body’s pituitary gland to produce more human growth hormone or HGH, which further slows down the body’s natural aging process.

The benefits of goji berries do not stop there. The fruits have been shown to have promising anti-cancer applications. A 1994 Chinese study discovered that people suffering from cancer were able to respond better to their treatment when goji berries were introduced into their diets. There have also been some supporting studies that indicate that the goji berry’s high levels of antioxidants, working in unison with its unique extracts, may have other health benefits beyond slowing the growth of cancer cells. It may also be beneficial to diabetics for its ability to reduce blood glucose, and its cholesterol lowering properties promote the health of both cardiovascular and circulatory systems. Its ability to maintain alertness and mental acuity have also earned it a reputation as a powerful brain food.

In recent times, the goji berry’s growing popularity has caused many health products claiming to be made with goji berries to appear. Most of these products are juices and teas, often marketed to exaggerate the berry’s many health benefits. These products usually come from unscrupulous companies hoping to cash in on the growing health foods market, and in fact contain very little of the goji berry’s extracts. The best way to ensure that you are getting the real thing is to purchase the berries themselves and to use it in any dish or beverage you wish for a healthier and more rewarding experience.

Goji berries have a mild tangy taste that is slightly sweet and sour. Because they both look and have the same texture as raisins, they can be easily used as a substitute ingredient for them. Pies, trail mixes, and salads can receive an extra healthy dose of nutrition. It can also be pressed or blended into a refreshing drink, brewed to make a healthy batch of tea, or even mixed with grapes to make a very special wine vintage. The berries may also be eaten on their own as a healthy and convenient snack.

Hidalgo Foods is proud to supply our customers with organic goji berries in two varieties: regular goji berries and dark chocolate goji berries. The regular berries make an ideal ingredient for any number of dishes while the dark chocolate coated goji berries make for a great snack or dessert item. We aim to promote healthier lifestyle options by providing such wide variety and flexibility with our products, making the healthier food choices easier to make.

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