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Article: Ingredient of the month: Goji berry
- Article from:
- Functional Foods & Nutraceuticals
- Article date:
- July 1, 2006
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright Penton Media, Inc. Jul 2006. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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What is it?
Also known as Lycium barbarum, the sweet, ruby-red goji berry comes from a vigorous plant that grows up to 10 feet tall. Fruit is produced between mid- August and October.
Where does it come from?
Mountain valleys of Tibet and Mongolia.
When was it discovered?
Folklore dates its use to more than 3,000 years ago in Tibet and China.
How is it beneficial?
The goji berry is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants. It has 18 amino acids, 500 times more vitamin C by weight than an orange and 21 trace minerals. It is a rich source of beta-carotene, with more than carrots. The 13 per cent protein in the goji berry is higher than whole wheat ...