The recent buzz around the goji berry, goji juice, and the medicinal health properties the berry possesses has created big demand for the berry in the global market place. More people are discovering that the goji berry plant is able to adapt very well to different climates making it possible to grow the berries in gardens, green houses, and even pots. Of course to get started with growing a goji plant at home you’re going to need some quality goji berry seeds.

Finding Good Goji Berry Seeds

You shouldn’t have trouble sourcing goji berry seeds from a market, how ever these is a question as to whether the goji berry seeds you find are quality or not. Lots of people have started to purchase their seeds on the Internet, or from those who already have a goji berry plant at home. After you have the goji seeds there are still a number of steps you need to follow to prepare your seeds for planting.

The first step is to prepare soil for planting. While the goji berry seed is known to germinate in almost any type of soil for the best results possible it’s ideal to prepare your soil with an organic fertilizer first. To ensure you grow good health goji plants avoid using any chemical based products, stick to organic materials and soil. For the best organic manure consider seaweed, and dock or cow manure.

Planting Goji Berry Seeds

Ideally you should soak your goji berry seeds for three or four hours prior to planting. This will get the seed ready for germination and get the seedpod out. Once you have the seedpod out you should scrape it off on to some paper towel. To help with the germination process you need to take extra care when planting the seedlings. Ensure that each pod has it’s own cup in a germination tray. Push the seed approximately 1/2" in and the cover with a small amount of soil, add a small amount of water and prepare for the waiting game.

Keeping the area dark is important, and withing a temperature close to 75 degrees. It should take the goji berry seeds approximately 4 to 6 weeks to germinate with this method. Wait until you see the seedling with two small leaves, then you’re ready for transplanting into a larger pot. A one gallon pot minimum should be used, and don’t forget to fill the pot with good draining soil. A poor draining soil with drown the seedling, rendering it useless.

It’s odd when we think about it that such a small red fruit can cause such an uproar in research and interest in the global market place. The goji berry is doing just that. With the word going around that consuming a very small amount of the fruit every day can extend your life span, and increase your overall health can you be surprised that there is so much buzz. Here the just a few of the facts on the Tibetan goji berry.

What are exactly are these Goji Berries?

As per the name Tibetan Goji Berries come from a green plant found mainly in China, Mongolia, and Tibet. The plant belongs to the Solonaceae family, and it’s this plant that supplies us with the berries.

There are two ways that the Tibetan goji berry is brought to market.

a.) as dried berries
b.) a goji berry juice

Each format is very beneficial to our bodies, and there isn’t any proof that either form is better then the other. Other ways to consume goji berries are through soups, teas, and liquid extracts that can also be found as supplements. The main ingredients in Tibetan goji berries are carotenoids, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene (making for some of the best antioxidants available naturally in nature.)

Some confusion is made in the natural food sector about the wolfberry and the goji berry. While they are very similar, the names are often interchanged between goji or wolfberry. On a closer inspection you’ll notice that the goji berry has a much sweeter taste while the wolfberry is quite bitter. Both have similar properties for our health, how ever they aren’t the same fruit.

Besides the fact that the Tibetan goji berry is said to extend our longevity of living, zeaxanthin which is the most active substance in Tibetan goji berries has been said to possess characteristics and prevent age related macular degeneration.

What do the Research Studies Say?

Research that has been done on the Tibetan goji berry has discovered that the berry does indeed reduce cancer cell reproduction, therefore slowing the progression or spread of cancer. Also appears to help reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

If you’re on any anti-coagulant drugs you should be careful when taking a goji berry supplement or juice as it can interfere. Be sure to always check with your doctor before experimenting with any new herbal or natural juice or supplement. Avoiding any adverse reactions is better then finding them out on your own.