If you’re a fan of goji berries, you don’t have to rely on pricey imports from the health food store anymore. You can actually grow your own wolfberry bush (that’s the plant’s other name!) right in your backyard. If you’re wondering when you’ll finally get to taste those homegrown superfoods, here’s the scoop on harvest time.
Expect a gradual ripening season
Goji berries are a bit of a late bloomer compared to summer strawberries. You’ll usually see the first ripe fruits popping up around mid-August. This is actually great news because it means you’ll have fresh berries to pick well into late summer and early autumn when other garden fruits are winding down.
The best part? They don’t all ripen at once. Instead of a massive “berry explosion” that leaves you overwhelmed, the fruits ripen gradually over several weeks. This makes it super easy to pick a handful whenever you need them. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use them:
- Snack on them fresh right off the bush
- Whip up a batch of homemade jam
- Toss them in the juicer for a nutrient boost
- Freeze them for later use
- Dry them out to make your own DIY goji raisins
