Every spring, you surely ponder what to plant in your garden, searching for something new and exciting to cultivate. What if this year you changed it up a bit? Let us introduce you to an amazing plant: the famous goji berry.
This vibrant little fruit from Asia, rich in nutrients, will certainly entice you to welcome it into your home. But what exactly is it?
Discovering the health benefits of goji
The asian origin of a fruit with multiple properties
For thousands of years, goji berries have thrived on the mountain slopes of Asia, particularly in China and Tibet.
This fruit, known scientifically as Lycium barbarum, is often referred to as the “fruit of longevity” due to its impressive nutritional properties: vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc, iron, and an abundance of valuable antioxidants that offer numerous benefits.
Why adopt goji berries daily?
Often hailed as a “superfruit”, what exactly does it bring to your body if you incorporate it into your diet? Here are some of its beneficial effects:
- Boosting the immune system due to the powerful antioxidants it contains.
- Improving vision, particularly thanks to the presence of carotenoids.
- Positive effects on skin, as it promotes natural collagen production.
- Increased energy and reduced general fatigue.
Interesting, right? But goji berries aren’t just good for your health; they are also practical and easy to incorporate into your garden.
Why choose goji berries over traditional tomatoes?
Simplicity and resilience, two unbeatable arguments
You love tomatoes, but their regular maintenance can sometimes be demanding? The goji berry is perfect for gardeners looking for a decorative, productive, and low-maintenance plant.
Whether planted in the ground or in a pot on your terrace, there is no need for special fertilizers or chemical treatments for your shrub to thrive. Adequate watering during hot weather is sufficient for its healthy growth.
A sustainable harvest to fully enjoy the benefits
After just two to three years post-planting, your goji plant will begin producing a generous quantity of bright red fruits. The fruiting season runs from July to October, providing you with a long period to harvest these precious little berries.
Once picked, you can dry them to store for several months and enjoy them in your teas, cereals, or desserts during winter. Convenient!
An ecological asset in your garden
Did you know that the purple flowers of the goji attract many pollinators like bees? Having a goji shrub in your garden also contributes to the natural balance of your garden.
Additionally, its roots actively help combat erosion while improving soil aeration.
How to easily cultivate goji berries at home?
Choosing the right location and preparing for planting
To achieve a good harvest, place your shrub in a sunny spot sheltered from strong winds. Goji plants can adapt to various soils, but it’s best to choose well-drained soil.
If your soil is heavy or compact, adding a bit of sand before planting will greatly improve it.
Essential care techniques for maintenance
Three easy tips to implement:
- Planting: in the spring, dig a hole about 30 cm deep, place your shrub, and then fill in, packing it lightly.
- Moderate watering: avoid overwatering; prefer occasional watering, especially during dry summers.
- Winter pruning: light pruning allows air to circulate within the plant while stimulating fruiting. Regularly remove dead or overcrowded branches.
Harvesting and delicious ways to enjoy the collected berries
Gently harvest your fruits
The berries are ready for harvest when they turn bright red, between July and October. Do not pull them off forcefully; gently shake the branches to let them fall onto a cloth laid on the ground. Both fresh and dried options are available.
Enjoy your goji berries every day
Looking for ideas on how to consume your harvest? Here are a few tasty suggestions:
- Dried or fresh for a nutritious snack.
- In an infusion, a few dried berries wonderfully flavor your tea.
- In cooking, incorporated into salads or certain Asian dishes.
- Mixed into smoothies or fruity desserts for a unique touch.
So, are you tempted to try? Have you ever attempted to grow goji berries in your garden? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments! We’re eager to hear your tips and thoughts on this topic.
