Goji facts for kids

Goji berries

Dried goji berries

Goji (say "GO-jee"), also known as goji berry or wolfberry, is a small, bright orange-red fruit. It grows on two types of plants: Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense. These plants are very similar and belong to the nightshade family called Solanaceae.

This plant family also includes many common foods you might know, like potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants. It even includes chili peppers and tobacco. Both types of goji plants originally come from Asia.

What are Goji Berries?

Goji berries are small fruits that look a bit like tiny red raisins when dried. They have been used for thousands of years in China and other parts of Asia. People often eat them dried, but they can also be eaten fresh.

Where Do Goji Berries Grow?

Goji plants are tough and can grow in many different places. They are especially common in parts of Asia, like China, where they have been grown for a very long time. They like sunny spots and well-drained soil.

How Are Goji Berries Used?

In Asia, goji berries are used in many ways. They are often added to soups, teas, and even wine. Sometimes, they are just eaten as a snack, like dried fruit. They are also used in traditional Chinese medicine.

People believe goji berries have many good things inside them. They are known to be full of vitamin C and other important nutrients. This is why they are sometimes called a "superfood."

Images for kids

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  Lycium barbarum berries (Tibetan goji) from Ningxia

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  Lycium chinense berries (Chinese wolfberry)

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  Oil extracted from the seeds of Lycium barbarum

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  Dried goji berries on sale in a market in France

See also

In Spanish: Baya de goji para niños