Derivation of the Common Name - Goji

Gouqizi or gouqi, the Chinese Mandarin names for goji ("wolfberry", Lycium barbarum L.), is a red-orange berry of the Solanaceae nightshade family that includes tomato, eggplant, chili pepper and potato.

In vernacular, gouqi (Mandarin pronunciation "goo-chee"), has become “goji”. For at least 2000 years, wolfberry has grown wild in China and used in common recipes and traditional Chinese medicine. 18th century Chinese farmers nicknamed gouqi “wolfberry” when they saw wolves feasting among the berry-laden vines during summer.

The Chinese revere wolfberry as a national treasure among the most nutrient dense of the nation’s medicinal herbs. This reputation has stimulated scientific research about its potential health benefits and systematic cultivation, commercialization and now increasing export to the West.

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An authoritative, objective reference text for nutrients, phytochemicals, and potential health benefits of the goji berry