Written By Sam Henselijn
Goji berries, what are they? Goji berries, also known as wolfberries or by their scientific name Lycium barbarum, are little red fruits with powerful health benefits. Most often, they’re sold dried, but you can also find them powdered or simply added to supplements and vitamin blends. They’re not only great for you, but also delicious and full of flavor.
Let’s take a close look at the many benefits and uses of goji berries!
An overview of goji berries
Goji berries are native to Asia. They’ve been used in alternative
medicine for thousands of years. Due to their high nutritional value, they’re now referred to as a super food! Goji berries are believed to be good for eye health, to slow signs of aging and strengthen your liver, kidneys, and lungs.
The berries grow in temperate regions in China, Mongolia and in the Tibetan Himalayas. A Chinese study published in 1994 by the Chinese Journal of Oncology stated that 79 people with cancer responded better to treatment when goji was added to their diets.
Goji berries interesting facts
- Legend says a man named Li Qing Yuen consumed goji berries on the daily and lived to be 252 years old.
- Surprisingly, goji berries have more vitamin C than oranges, more beta carotene than carrots and more iron than steak.
- In some parts of the world, the berries are considered a fountain of youth. In fact, in the Ningxia Hui region of Northern China, goji berries are grown and eaten on a daily basis. Coincidence or not, they have 16 times as many centenarians as the rest of the country.
- Goji is celebrated during festivals in Tibet, Mongolia and China. In ancient Eastern Asian medicine, they are said to correct imbalances in one’s chi such as insomnia, and anxiety.
What do goji berries taste like?
Ever so slightly sweet and moreish, dried goji berries have a very distinct flavor, not dissimilar to cranberries or sour cherries. They’re an incredibly versatile ingredient to have on hand: great in either sweet or and savory recipes.
The type of dried goji berries usually accessible to us tend to taste more berry-like, and are definitely more tart than sweet. Some also have a distinct herbal note. The tiny dried berries should be chewy but still a little soft.
How to use goji berries
If you’re new to goji berries, the easiest way to get started is to simply use them in place of raisins! Just be aware they’re less sweet, so you may need to compensate for their tartness.
Dried goji berries are readily available these days, and a great addition to smoothies or fruit juices! You may need to rehydrate them first in a little water to soften them before blending.
If you’re a tea lover, they can also be added to your pot. Delicate and nourishing, goji berry tea is delicious! You only need hot water and goji berries – simply let them steep for a few minutes. You may also add different flavorings like ginger slices, cinnamon sticks, etc. Wolfberry tea can be served as a hot tea or cold tea.
They also work in savory dishes. In fact, they are a commonly used ingredient in China – often mixed into chicken soup, stews or savory porridge bowls.
And let’s not forget desserts! Goji berries are a fantastic topping for sweets and breakfast bowls. Add them to baked goods, granola bars, yogurt or oatmeal mixed with some fresh fruit and you’ll have a winning combo.
More dried fruit
Dried fruits are delicious, versatile and a great source of vitamins and other essential minerals. In fact, they contain more fiber and antioxidants than fresh fruit! Check out some of our best sellers: cranberries, dried strawberries, diced pineapples, diced mangoes.
Sam Henselijn Author’s Biography – Meet L’Orenta Nuts CEO
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