Lycium chinense (Lycium barbarum)

Other names: Goji, St. John's wort

Chinese clove, more commonly known as goji or foreign clove, is one of the most famous superfoods. It is a traditional crop of China and the Himalayas, and in recent years it has been growing in popularity around the world. Its berries contain a large amount of vitamins, minerals and other valuable substances and are attributed to have many positive effects on human health. The bushberry is the fruit of a shrub that can reach a height of up to two metres. In late summer to autumn, it bears small, up to 2 cm large, orange-coloured fruits that have a sweetish taste.

The Chinese currant is widely used, especially in gastronomy and the production of food supplements. Goji berries are eaten on their own or added to various dishes such as salads, muesli, yoghurt and fruit drinks. Dried berries can be consumed as a healthy alternative to traditional sweet snacks. More recently, they have also been used in the production of chocolate and protein bars. In the field of food supplements, various vitamins and immune support tablets are made from the curcurrant berries. Goji is also becoming increasingly popular in cosmetics, where it is used mainly for its antioxidant properties. For example, it is used to make creams, masks and oils for the skin.