Plant Food – Black Goji Berry II

𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐠𝐨𝐣𝐢 𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, scientifically known as 𝘓𝘺𝘤𝘪𝘶𝘮 𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘮, are native to the Himalayan region and have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for their medicinal properties. Unlike their red counterparts, black goji berries boast a darker hue and a distinctively rich flavor profile.

So, what exactly makes black goji berries stand out?

Let’s explore their role in promoting health and vitality:

𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲: Black goji berries are high in antioxidants including flavonoids, anthocyanins, and phenolic components, which help the body neutralise free radicals and protect against oxidative stress. These antioxidants play a crucial role in supporting overall health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

𝗜𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: Due to their high vitamin C content, black goji berries are well known for their immune-boosting effects. Vitamin C is necessary for immunological function, as it helps to enhance the body’s natural defenses and protect against infections and illnesses.

𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗶-𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀: Research has revealed that black goji berries contain powerful anti-inflammatory characteristics that can help reduce inflammation in the body and improve symptoms linked with inflammatory illnesses like arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease.

𝗘𝘆𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵: Black goji berries are rich in carotenoids, particularly zeaxanthin and lutein, which are essential for maintaining healthy vision and protecting against age-related macular degeneration and other eye illnesses.

𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵: Black goji berries contain heart-healthy nutrients such as fiber, potassium, and polyphenols, which have been shown to lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Incorporating black goji berries into your diet is easy and versatile. Enjoy them as a wholesome snack, blend them into smoothies, sprinkle over yogurt or oatmeal, or steep them in hot water for a refreshing tea.

With their impressive array of health benefits, black goji berries are truly a nutritional powerhouse worth adding to your daily routine. Whether enjoyed on their own or as part of a balanced diet, these tiny berries have the power to nourish your body and enhance your well-being from the inside out.



Crafting Quality Products Requires Detailed Knowledge

Selecting the Right Drying Methods for Black Goji Berries:

Black Goji Berry (Lycium ruthenicum)
– Fresh black goji barries have a shelf life of approximately three days before they spoil
– Polyphenols are highly prone to oxidation
– Black goji berries have a polysaccharide content exceeding 10%
– Anthocyaanins are the main active ingredient

Total Anthocyanin Content
– Anthocyanins are responsible for the dark purple color of black goji berries
– Anthocyanins are sensitive to temperature, oxygen and light
– Processing Method with Freeze-drying contain 13-14 mg CGE / g DW

Total Phenolic Content
– Higher temperatures will degrade anthocyanins, leading to the production of higher levels of phenolic acids
– Processing Method with Freeze-drying contain 24-25 mg GAE / g DW

Total Flavonoid Content
– Compared to hot air drying, sun drying has a lower temperature, which prevents the loss of heat-sensitive compounds
– The slow drying rate in sun drying allows some metabolic processes to continue after harvest
There was no significant difference between hot air drying and freeze-drying
– Processing Method with Freeze-drying contain 1-1.25 mg RE / g DW

Total Procyanidin Content
– Procyanidins contribute to a bitter flavor and astringent mouthfeel
– High tempreratures could lead to a profound reduction in procyanidins
– Processing Method with Freeze-drying contain 9-9.5 mg PAE / g DW

Antioxidant Activity
– Methodology: DPPH free radical scavenging assay
– Higher value = Lower antioxidant capacity
– Different phytochemical compositions may yield different antioxidant activity results
– Processing Method with Freeze-drying contain 2.0 – 2.5 DPPH IC mg / ml

Total Amino Acids
Black goji berry contains a total of 19 amino acids
– This includes 8 essential amino acids and 2 semi-essential amino acids

The total amino acid content ranged from 1.65 to 7.5 mg/g

Order from high to low:
Freeze-drying > Hot air drying > Sun drying