Largely unknown to westerners, the Gogi or goji plant has recently come into the limelight for the health benefits of its fruit. Better known in the West as the Wolfberry, the Gogi plant is a deciduous perennial shrub that can grow up to 3 meters high. Its scientific name is Lycum barbarum and forms part of Solanaceae, of which the tomato and potato are also members. While interest in the fruit of the Gogi is expanding, gardeners are also looking to cultivate the plant as an exotic addition to their collection.

Climatic and Soil Requirements

The Gogi plant is a very adaptable plant and grows in many temperate areas. Its origin is attributed to Mongolia and it is grown widely in Northwestern China. However, plants have been grown in the United Kingdom and the United States (mostly Utah) as ornamentals. In fact, the plant is well established in the UK where it was introduced in the 1730s. It is mainly found in hedgerows.

The Gogi plant grows well in a temperature range of between 1 degree Fahrenheit and around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it suitable for most temperate conditions. The Gogi plant is not known to be cultivable in balmy tropical conditions although the plant is said to be hardy and adaptable. The Gogi plant prefers full sunlight and will yield poorer results if shaded. Gogi bushes grown in climates that have warm, humid summers and crisp, cold winters are said to bear the most beneficial fruit with the highest levels of nutrition.

The Gogi plant does best in well-drained soils although other types of soil would suit it as well. It does not like waterlogged conditions, however.

Flowering and Fruiting

The Gogi plant begins flowering after two to three years. It produces purple and white flowers that are absolutely a pleasure to watch. The teardrop-sized fruits appear in late summer in the form of beautiful, bright red berries. Tender care should be employed when collecting the fruits as they are easily damaged and blacken when roughed. The best way to harvest Gogi berries is to shake the plant and let the fruits fall on a mat. They can be scooped up by hand with sterile gloves.

Benefits of the Gogi Berry

Recently, the Gogi berry has been attributed the title of miracle food owing to its capacity to treat several conditions. However, these claims have yet to be proven. What is clear to us, is its extraordinary nutrient content. The following are the main attributes of a Gogi berry:

~ High protein content (about 12%)
~ Contains 11 essential and 22 trace minerals
~ 18 amino acids
~ 6 vitamins (including vitamins C and B2)
~ Essential Fatty Acids (e.g. linoleic acid)
~ Carotenoids (essential for manufacturing Vitamin A)
~ A high amount of calcium (up to 112 mg per 100g of Gogi berry).
~ A high amount of Potassium (up to 1132mg per 100g of Gogi berry).
~ Phenols that have anti-oxidant properties.

With such a nutritious content, the Gogi berry fits ideally into the Western diet as a precious supplement. The Gogi berry is consumed usually in its processed forms, that is, dried Gogi fruits or Gogi juice. It is rare to find fresh Gogi berry outside its main production regions in Asia unless one has a tree in their backyard.