Prospects for goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.) production in North America

Abstract

The Lycium genus comprises 70 species including Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense (goji berry) in the Solanaceae family that are valued for their medicinal and nutraceutical properties. Goji berry is a deciduous shrub with excellent cold-hardiness and potential as a specialty crop in colder regions of North America including the mountain west regions of the United States. Bud break in goji berry is observed in late March to early April with profuse flowering and fruiting occurring until October-November. Fruiting occurs in the axils of leaves and exhibits a bright orange color on ripening due to the presence of carotenoids mainly zeaxanthin. Goji berry is highly valued for its high antioxidant potential and widely marketed in the United States as a health-beneficial nutraceutical species. A variety of commercial products including fresh and frozen fruit, juice, teas, dried fruit, and dietary supplements are sold for consumption. Goji berry is well known for its health-beneficial properties including a positive effect on cardiovascular health regulating lipids and blood sugar and controlling diabetes, immunomodulatory, and anticancer activities and retinal health. The current review discusses the health benefits of goji berry and its prospects for production in North America.