The Origin and Global Context of Goji Berries
Native to East Asia, particularly China and Mongolia, the goji berry comes from two main species of boxthorn shrub: Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense. The English common name, wolfberry, may have arisen from a mistaken link between the Latin name Lycium and the Greek word for 'wolf'. However, the modern term 'goji berry' is a Western approximation of the Chinese name, highlighting the fruit's origin and deep roots in Asian culture.
Goji Berries in East Asian Countries
China: The Original Gǒuqǐ (枸杞)
In China, the birthplace of the goji berry, the fruit is most commonly known as gǒuqǐ (枸杞) or gǒuqǐzǐ (枸杞子). The berries from the Ningxia region, grown along the fertile plains of the Yellow River, are especially prized for their high quality and are sometimes referred to as 'red diamonds'. In Cantonese, they are called gau gei. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) places great importance on gǒuqǐ for its ability to nourish the liver and kidneys, improve eyesight, and promote longevity.
Japan: Kuko (クコ)
The Japanese name for the plant is kuko (クコ). The dried berries, which are commonly used in various preparations, are called kuko no mi (クコの実). The characters for kuko (枸杞) actually combine two different Chinese characters representing other plants, which was a Japanese tradition. Japanese cuisine and medicine have utilized kuko for its healthful properties for centuries, with the berries being rehydrated and used in dishes or steeped in tea.
Korea: Gugija (구기자)
Korean culture cherishes the goji berry, calling it gugija (구기자), and it is a popular herbal ingredient. Cheongyang in South Korea is a major producer of gugija, which is used in teas, juices, and traditional snacks known as hangwa. In Korean wellness traditions, gugija is valued for its contribution to immune health, vitality, and eye health.
Vietnam: Kỷ tử or Cẩu kỷ
In Vietnamese, the berry is known as kỷ tử (杞子) or cẩu kỷ (枸杞). Like other Asian nations, it is integrated into traditional medicine practices and is valued for its medicinal properties. The plant itself and its leaves are also referred to as củ khởi. The dried fruits are often used in soups and teas to add a slightly sweet, tangy flavor.
Tibet: Dre-tsher-mai-dre-bu
Revered in Himalayan regions, the Tibetan name for goji berries is dre-tsher-mai-dre-bu, literally meaning 'ghost thorn fruit'. Tibetan legends tell of monks living long, healthy lives by drinking water from a sacred well into which the berries fell. This reflects the long-held belief in the berry's life-enhancing qualities.
The Versatility of Goji Berries in Cuisine
Across Asia, goji berries are a versatile ingredient used in both savory and sweet applications. Their sweet-tart flavor profile allows them to complement a wide range of dishes.
- Soups and Broths: Goji berries are frequently added to simmering soups and savory broths, especially in Chinese cuisine, where they impart a mild sweetness and are believed to offer health benefits.
- Teas: Both berries and leaves are used to make herbal teas, enjoyed for their flavor and tonic properties. In Korea, gugija-cha is a popular tea.
- Porridge and Rice: The berries add flavor and color to traditional congee and other rice porridge preparations.
- Snacks and Desserts: Dried goji berries are eaten on their own as a chewy snack or added to granola, trail mixes, and baked goods.
- Beverages: In addition to tea, goji berries are used to make juices and herbal wines.
A Comparative Table of Asian Goji Berry Names
| Country | Common Name(s) | Native Script | Culinary Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | Gǒuqǐ, gǒuqǐzǐ | 枸杞, 枸杞子 | Soups, porridge, teas |
| Japan | Kuko, kuko no mi | クコ, クコの実 | Teas, simmered dishes |
| Korea | Gugija | 구기자 | Teas, hangwa (snacks), juice |
| Vietnam | Kỷ tử, cẩu kỷ | 杞子, 枸杞 | Teas, soups, infusions |
| Tibet | Dre-tsher-mai-dre-bu | འབྲས་ཚེར་མའི་འབྲས་བུ་ | Medicinal tonics, legends |
Conclusion: A Common Thread of Wellness
The diversity of names for goji berries in Asia—from the Chinese gǒuqǐ to the Japanese kuko, Korean gugija, and Vietnamese kỷ tử—reflects the fruit's deep integration into the cultural fabric of the continent. Despite the regional variations in name and language, a common thread of traditional medicine and culinary use connects them all. Valued for centuries for their perceived health benefits, these small berries remain a significant part of Asian culture, prized for their ability to nourish the body, improve vision, and promote vitality across generations. While a superfood to the world, they are a time-honored staple in Asia, a testament to ancient wisdom now embraced globally.
For further reading, consult authoritative sources such as the NCBI review on Lycium barbarum.
What Are Goji Berries Called in Asia: A Quick Guide
- Chinese Name: In China, they are called gǒuqǐ (枸杞) or gǒuqǐzǐ (枸杞子), and also known as wolfberries.
- Japanese Name: Japan refers to the plant as kuko (クコ) and the berries as kuko no mi (クコの実).
- Korean Name: In Korea, the name for goji berries is gugija (구기자).
- Vietnamese Name: Vietnam uses the names kỷ tử (杞子) or cẩu kỷ (枸杞).
- TCM Significance: Across Asia, these berries are valued in traditional medicine for supporting liver, kidney, and eye health.
