Black Goji (Lycium ruthenicum)

The rare Black Goji plant, or Black Wolfberry, originates in the Himalayan Mountains in Central Asia where it is revered for its health benefits. The fruit may be eaten fresh, dried or made into a tea, and just a few dried fruits added to water will turn it vivid purple. Black Goji fruit contains vitamins A, C and E, and includes some essential fatty acids which are unusual in fruits. They also have large amounts of proanthocyanidins, a powerful antioxidant that removes free radicals from cells similar to cranberries or grape seeds. The round fruit starts green and matures to purple and black when fully ripe. Black goji is a shrub that reaches 4-6’ tall. The leaves are light gray to greenish and fleshy; the branches have thorns. It is self-fertile and fruits ripen in summer to early fall.