Goji Berries & Soap Nuts from Nine Lucky Stars Giveaway

Nine Lucky Stars

What are Goji Berries?

The Goji plant is known the world over by many different names including Lycium barbarum, Wolfberry, Red Medlar, Bocksdorn, Cambronera, Duke of Argyll's Tea Tree, gou qi zi, Fructus lycii and Matrimony Vine. Originating from many areas of Asia, including Western China, Mongolia, Tibet, and the Himalayan expanse. Westerners have only lately discovered the goji plant, and there is much eagerness in health circles these days of its immense effects.

Health Benefits, Goji Berries are reported to contain 18 Amino acids (six times higher than bee pollen), more Beta Carotene than carrots, more Iron than spinach, and 21 Trace Minerals. Goji Berries also contain Vitamin B1, B2, B6, and Vitamin E (rarely found in fruits). The Goji Berry contains more Vitamin C by weight than oranges Goji berries are 13% protein! This bright red berry also contains many complex compounds, and phytonutrients, which explains in part, the incredible health benefits being experienced by people today. The Goji Berry also contains extremely high levels of antioxidants. It is quite possibly the highest antioxidant food on earth.

How do you grow them?

Growing, Goji Berry Plants are easy to grow perennials (they come back every year!). They will grow in almost any type of soil, light-sandy, Medium-loamy, and heavy-clay, but they tend to flower and fruit better in a well drained soil of moderate quality. Goji Berry plants have an extensive root system and are very drought tolerant once established. Goji Berry plants prefer full sun to partial shade, but plant them in full sun for the best Goji Berry production. Goji Berry plants can survive winters down to -15 degrees Fahrenheit and hot summers above 100 degrees. The Goji Berry grows as a thick bush reaching 6-10 feet tall with vines that can get 12 feet long. Heavy pruning of the Goji Berry plant will keep this bush looking nice and will also help it produce more delicious Goji Berries. In earlysummer this beautiful plant is covered with small purple and white trumpet shaped flowers. Goji berry plants can add beautiful color to any landscape. In late summer these pretty little flowers are followed by glossy, bright red Goji Berries. The Goji plant continues to flower and produce Goji Berries right up until the first heavy frost. The fresh Goji berries are incredibly juicy and sweet that can be consumed raw, fresh or dried. The leaves of the plant nicknamed as matrimony wine or youthful tea can be used in salads and drinks. The Goji Berry can be grown indoors if given enough light. Goji Berries can be grown under a strong, full spectrum, artificial light or they can be set by a window that gets direct sunlight for at least 8 hours every day.

I am getting my berries ready to plant now that spring is among us, and excited to learn more about Goji Berries and their uses. You can search online for information on these Tibetan Organic Berries. 

Nine Lucky Stars also has a lot of great information on their Etsy site within the listing for the seeds, of which I have snagged the above information.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/43110904/goji-seeds-500-tibetan-grown-organic

Nine Lucky Stars also sells soap nuts. What are soap nuts?

Soapnuts are the fruit of the Sapindus Mukorossi, a tree found primarily in India and Nepal. The shell contains saponin, which is known for its ability to cleanse and wash. Although they are just starting to become popular in the Americas and Europe, Soapnuts have been used by many peoples for centuries and go by many common and not so common names including; soaputs, soap nuts, soapnut, soap nut, soapberries, soap berries, soapberry, soap berry, washnuts, wash nuts, washnut, wash nut, soap pods, Ritha, Reetha, Aritha, Dodan, Doadni, Doda, Kanma, Thali and noix de lavage
The most common use of Soapnuts is to remove dirt from clothing. It's not only highly effective but also very gentle and safe to use on even your most delicate articles of clothing including cashmere, wool and silk. Because it is mild and natural, it preserves the colors and the structure of your clothing longer than chemical detergents. It actually softens your clothing naturally to, so you will no longer need to use fabric softener: The laundry turns out amazingly soft! Because of these characteristics, soapnuts are the perfect detergent.
I have been just nuts about soap nuts lately! I haven't used commercial detergents and harsh chemicals on my clothing for 2 months now! Soap nuts are perfect for washing your clothing. For this sample pack you will probably get 5-7 loads of wash out of them. Try them out and see what you think. Then stop by Nine Lucky Stars to purchase more for the future loads. Kick the chemical habit with your laundry by starting with soap nuts.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/52516411/soapnuts-soap-nuts-organic-soap-55lb

5 winners will receive a sample bag of soap nuts and a 500 seed Tibetan Grown Organic Goji Berry Seeds

Follow the Rafflecopter for your entries. (click Read More above my name) Excited to share this company with you and appreciate your generous giveaway. I received a sample of soap nuts and Goji Berries in exchange for an honest review.
Giveaway ends May26 and is open to USA only

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