Described as one of the latest superfoods, Goji berries have had many column inches written about them in the press and heavy television coverage over the last year or so. It is the nutritional power of the Goji berries which has been hitting the headlines, and there is no doubt about it that this highly nutritional-rich superfood is the one to grow! It can be eaten off the plant, cooked or dried and added to your breakfast cereals, or eaten as a snack. Also the leaves and young shoots can be used as a leafy vegetable.

By far it is one of the easiest fruits we can grow in our garden, incredibly hardy (down to -15C), will tolerate up to 40C and they are drought tolerant. The plants are self-fertile, and one plant will produce over 2lb (1kg) of fruit in its second season. It was originally cultivated in the Himalayan mountain areas, and for over 2000 years it has been recorded in folklore for its unrivalled nutritional properties.

Flowering and Fruiting: July to September. Height: 6ft (1.8m). Position: Requires full sun.

Claims for goji berries:

• Nutritionally rich in beta-carotene.
• Vitamins C, B1, B2, other vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids.
• Suggestions that the fruit also contains zinc, iron, copper, calcium, germanium, selenium, phosphorus, B6, and vitamin E.
• Used in Chinese medicine and are believed to enhance the immune system, help the eyesight, protect the liver and improve the circulation.

Compatative Antioxidant Capacity (Based on 100g)

Goji Berries 25,300, Blueberries 2,400, Strawberries 1,540, Spinach 1,260, Raspberries 1,220, Brussel Sprouts 980 and Beetroot 840.

Growing tips

Very easy to grow, although they do not need the high temperatures at the start of the year. Grown in a sunny bed, against a sunny wall would be ideal, or grow in a multi-purpose compost in a pot size of 12in (30cm) minimum. You will need to feed as soon as the plant comes into flower using a high potassium fertiliser such as Tomorite. Keep them moist but avoid overwatering early in the season. Cut the young plant back to encourage it to produce up to 8 to 10 strong shoots per plant from the base to ensure a good crop. The shoots act a bit like vines producing masses of crop along the shoots. It can be trained on canes, up a bamboo wigwam or obelisk or on a wall, as this plant in full crop makes a very decorative feature in the garden with its pendant red fruits. These can be eaten straight off the plant once ripe, cooked or dried for use later.