Origins of Goji Berry
The Goji Berry is an ancient Himalayan health secret which has been part of traditional Tibetan medicine for close to 3,000 years. It is here, high in the Tibetan Himalayas, or on the rooftop of the world, that the Goji vine has been flourishing, some say since the beginning of time.
It is believed that the native Himalayans were our first natural healers, and throughout antiquity, herbalists from China, Tibet and India would travel to this remote place to learn the secrets of their ancient wisdom. Those who came were so in awe of this amazing little berry that they took the Goji home with them and planted the vines in their own valleys.
It is said that the Goji berry was brought to the attention of the western world by a doctor who was studying an ancient society of Tibetans who lived in one of the most remote places on earth, the Tibetan Himalayas. He found that not only did a great number of these people live to a very old age, but that they did so free of disease and in extremely good health. Villagers well into their eighties, had not turned grey, nor had they lost their teeth.
It eventually transpired that these people all drew water from wells which had Goji vines growing around them. The Goji’s would ripen and fall into the well, where their nutrients would be dissolved into the water and subsequently drunk by the villagers.
Legend further has it that Li Qing Yuen, who allegedly lived from 1678 to 1930, ate a diet consisting mainly of Goji berries. The story of the 252 year old Li Qing Yuen has also been instrumental in reinforcing the belief that Goji berries can significantly extend life. Goji berries are known in Tibetan medicine as a highly beneficial anti-aging food. To this day, this magical little berry is honoured by an annual two-week festival in which they celebrate its many health-giving properties.
Tibet – Home of the Authentic Goji berryOver many centuries the Tibetan Goji berry was taken to other provinces of Western and Northern China. The berries that are now grown outside of Tibet do not display the characteristics that make the Tibetan Goji berries so unique and so very special.
This is simply due to the unique and harsh growing conditions experienced by the authentic Tibetan berries, which grow in their pristine mountain top environment at altitudes in excess of 4000 meters.
The Goji plants grow like bushes with vines that can reach well over 15 feet. The round red berries are harvested in the late summer and early autumn by being shaken onto mats, then sun-dried before packaging. The berries are not touched by hand at this stage, as they will oxidize and turn black if touched while fresh.