These goji berries are harvested from the pristine remote area around the Jinsixia National Forest Park in China. This area is a 10,000 hectare reserve that has been certified organic by a European certification agency according to the USDA-NOP; EEC and JAS organic standards. This certification also verifies that the wild harvesting is done in a sustainable way.
Health Benefits
Goji berries have been used in traditional Asian and in particular Chinese Medicine for over 5,000 years. The ancient texts of Chinese Medicine say that goji berries increase the "chi" or the vital life force of those that eat them. The Physician’s Handbook "Ben Cao Gang Mu" recorded during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D.) states, "taking in Chinese Wolfberry/Goji Berry regularly may regulate the flow of vital energy and strengthen the physique, which can lead to longevity".
In terms of overall nutrition Goji Berries are unmatched by any other food. They contain 18 kinds of amino acids (six times higher than bee pollen) and contain all 8 essential amino acids (such as isoleucine and tryptophan). They contain 11.7% protein, and 328 calories per 100g! They also contain up to 21 trace minerals (the most powerful ones being zinc, iron, copper, calcium, germanium, selenium, and phosphorus)! Goji berries are the richest source of carotenoids, including beta-carotene (more beta carotene than carrots), of all known foods or plants on earth! They contain 500 times the amount of vitamin C, by weight, than oranges making them second only to camu camu berries as the richest vitamin C source on earth. Goji berries also contain vitamins B1, B2, B6, and vitamin E.
Goji berries contain polysaccharides which fortify the immune system and build strength. A polysaccharide found in this fruit has been found to be a powerful substance that stimulates the secretion of rejuvenative human growth hormone by the pituitary gland.
Serving Suggestions
Eat them straight from the packet as a snack or add a handful to your favourite trail mix, cereal, juice or smoothie. You can also soak them in hot water to make a nutritious tea.
The indigenous mountain people who grow these berries eat them by the handful and say the best way to start the day is with a handful of gojis. It is recommended to eat at least 10 grams a day, which is approximately a handful. However you can eat as much as you like.
We like making a trail mix of goji berries, pumpkin seeds, and cacao nibs. There is a great flavour synergy between the bitterness of the cacao and the sweetness of the gojis.
We also recommend giving them to children in lunchboxes and as snacks instead of raisins and sultanas as they contain many more nutrients.
