An Unsung Hero or National Celebrity?
People were going crazy about Goji berries, saying it was a new super food that can cure whatever ails you. So naturally I had to check it out, and thankfully was able to find some dried Goji berries at our local Whole Foods store. They didn’t taste that great, but being curious I decided to plant some of the seeds from the dried fruit to see if they would grow here (which by the way, is a great way to get seeds for this plant).
"It regarded nature as more worthy of contemplation than of exploitation, and as less of a puzzle to be solved than as a presence to be pondered."
To my surprise they germinated quite easily and grew into a nice scraggly shrub. Not all of the plants thrived, but some did, even surviving a winter that made our Zone 5 look like a Zone 2. But best of all was that the berries had a wonderful taste and quality about them when eaten fresh, completely different from the dried berries.
"Come forth into the Light of Things, Let Nature be your teacher."
Now that these berries are gaining attention, it is not surprising that they are being exploited for their many health benefits, sold in everything from pills to soft drinks. And while that little berry may become a national celebrity, it doesn't have to be relegated to the shelf of health food stores, it can be much more, growing happily around you without the need for exploitation.
