Hugelkultur Goji Berry

Description

I started these bad boys from a packet of seed I ordered from Baker Creek in Twenty Fourteen. Since then they have spread atop my hugelkultur bed, in shade in the back orchard, and right outside my back door.

What I’m really selling is what we’re all selling: time. That’s the game here. These goji berry plants took time. They have fed me and the 9th Ward chickens for years. A glimpse of the bright red fruit gives me great joy as does the wait. The little purple flowers spread all across their stems. The barrage of bees that come to feed.

And you already know about how healthy they are. Goji berries are rich in nutrients and antioxidants, including vitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin, potassium, iron, magnesium, copper, and zinc. Problem with the ones that we get in the store is who knows what got done to them before we met. Who knows what kind of upbringing those little berries had or how they got dried.

Well…now you can lie outside next to these guys like you’re both in on of those old California Raisins commercials.

Some early studies suggest that goji berries may help with:

Immune system: Goji berries contain vitamin C, which can help fight stress and disease. They also contain iron, which can help treat anemia.

Anti-aging: Goji berries contain antioxidants that can protect skin cells from damage.

Eye health: Goji berries contain zeaxanthin, an antioxidant that can help protect vision and prevent macular degeneration.

Digestive health: Goji berries may help with digestive health.

Athletic performance: Goji berries may help improve athletic performance.

Weight loss: Goji berries contain fiber and complex carbohydrates, which may help with weight loss and blood sugar control.

Blood sugar: Goji berries may help regulate blood glucose levels. Diabetics may benefit from dried goji berries, which can help control the release of glucose into the blood.