Chinese boxthorn, Chinese matrimony-vine

Where does Chinese boxthorn grow?

Found in: Asia, Australia, Canada, China, Cuba, France, Hawaii, Himalayas, Indochina, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Mediterranean, Nepal, North America, Pacific, Pakistan, Portugal, SE Asia, Singapore, Slovenia, Taiwan, Thailand, United States, Vietnam

Notes: The berries are high in carotene. Chemical composition (leafy shoots): Protein = 3.9%. Fat = 0.72%. Carbohydrate = 2.254%. Ash = 1.3%. It is high in proVitamin A. There are about 100 Lycium species. It contains 17.73 mg alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E) per 100 g in the leaves.

Status: It is a commercially cultivated vegetable. The berries are sold dry in packets. The leaves are sold in markets.

Growing Chinese boxthorn, Chinese matrimony-vine

Cultivation: Plants can be grown from seed or by using cuttings. They often sprout by suckers.

Edible Uses: The berries make a sweet addition to any dish. The ripe fruit are eaten fresh. They taste like liquorice. They can be added to soups or braised dishes. They are also used for juices and fermented. The young soft leaves are eaten in salads. The leaves are cooked with pork or added to soup. Ginger, pepper and a little sugar can help counter the bitter flavour in soups. The roasted seeds are used for coffee. Dried leaves are used for tea.

Production: For leaves the tips are cut off creating a hedge. For fruit the branches are left and the fruit picked.

Nutrition Info

Chinese boxthorn, Chinese matrimony-vine Photos

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