There are several types of fruits and vegetables, which can supply much needed nutrients to the body. This will enhance your body system and will enable you to be physically, emotionally and mentally fit. Adding these foods like berries, especially goji, can help you steer free of potential illness and disease. One common type of fruit that can supply nutrients to your body is a fruit coming from Lycium barbarum, which is known as the Goji berry. This berry is essential to the development and health of the body.
What are Goji Berries?
Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, are from the boxthorn plant- part of the nightshade family, native to southeast Europe and Asia. They are typically dried and eaten whole, in their raw form. Often times brewed in tea around the world as well. Known for their high antioxidant supply and their unique taste- a cross between a sweet raisin and a sour cranberry.
Description of Goji Berries, the Leaves and the Flowers
When it comes to the leaves and the flower of the Goji berry, it is quite similar to just an ordinary plant that can be found growing in the ground. The leaves of this berry are formed on the stems of the plants in an alternating manner. When taking a look at the goji plant, you can also notice that sometimes they are bunched together, consisting of three leaves having a shape like an egg, but longer and wider than a spearhead. The leaves have also rounded tips. The flowers of the goji berry grow in bunches of one, two, or three. The flowers are bell shaped and form a triangular shape with five or sometimes six lobes.
The color of the flower is considered to be light purple or lavender. It has longer filaments compared to its anthers. Flowering of goji berries take place during the month of June until September in the northern part of the world. The berries mature during the month of October, but it greatly depends on the climate of the region.
Characteristics of the Goji Berry Fruit
The fruit of this Goji berry is reddish-orange in color. The taste is to some extent sweet and a little bit sour. It has several varieties and one of which are similar to the taste of a tomato while others are more of the taste of the families of berry. The most common is the sweet variety. It consists of yellow seeds which are tiny and found together in the embryo of the fruit. The seeds are not easily extracted, so most people enjoy eating the berry whole. The number of seeds of the goji berry fruit will depend on its size. Goji fruit ripens from the month of July until October. The fruit can be steeped in tea, maybe with a green or white tea, can be eaten whole as a snack, or can be added to salads for something unique.
The Essentials of Goji Berries
Goji berries are considered to be a super fruit because of the nutrient and medicinal value to the human body. The berry is generally regarded as having a high content of antioxidants, which explains its use as a dietary supplement. But be careful, as some studies do show that if you consume to many goji berries, while you are also taking other medications, there can be negative side effects. The nutrient content of this fruit is really considered to be beneficial when it is eaten in normal amounts that you might consume another berry. This can help the immune system fight off colds and the antioxidants help fight free radicals. Because the berries are so versatile, they can become part of your everyday routine, for snacking, adding to a cup of tea, or enjoying a handful after dinner.