goji berries

This bright red super berry is native to Asia and Russia, and even though goji berries became popular relatively recently in the West, it has been used for thousands of years in Chinese Medicine. In North America, goji berries were commonly used among native tribes Hopi, Zuni and Navajo. The berries are the most treasured part of the plant, although the bark, leaves, flowers and shoots can be used for medicinal properties too. Together with other medicinal herbs such as Ashwagandha, Goji belongs to nightshade family. Nightshades also include tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes and bell peppers. 

 

Goji berries are full of minerals such as Iron, zinc, calcium, potassium and selenium. They are a complete protein source and full of immune boosting antioxidants, vitamin C and iron. Goji berries are considered an aphrodisiac, strengthen your immune system, and are even said to make you happier. 

VOLUME 

Quiet.

FLAVOR PAIRINGS 

Acai, almonds, amaranth, apples, apple cider vinegar, apricots, bananas, baobab, bee pollen, berries, buckwheat, cacao, cacao butter, cardamom, carambola, carrots, cashews, cayenne, chaga, chai spice, cherries, chili, cinnamon, clementines, cloves, coconut, coconut feta, coconut kefir, coconut labneh, coconut nectar, coconut oil, coconut yogurt, curry, dates, fennel, ginger, hazelnuts, honey, jackfruit, kaffir lime, lemon, lemongrass, lime, lucuma, maca, macadamias, mandarins, mangoes, maple syrup, millet, mint, mulberries, nuts, oats, orange, papaya, passion fruit, peach, pears, peanuts, pineapple, plant cheeze, plant cream, plant !ce cream, plant m!lk, plant yogurt, pomegranate, psyllium, raspberries, reishi, rice, rosehip, saffron, salt, seeds, sesame seeds, shredded coconut, spirulina, star anise, strawberries, sunflower seeds, sweet potatoes, quinoa, turmeric, vanilla, walnut, watermelon, young coconut

SELECTING 

Most commonly sold whole and dried, but you can also find goji powder and juice. The high price is a reflection of the medicinal properties and exceptional nutritional density. It is worth paying a bit extra for organic goji berries since the conventionally grown options are commonly heavily sprayed. Look for raw, low temperature sun-dried or dehydrated goji berries to make sure the nutritional properties are retained. Other things to look for in goji berries are non GMO and unsulfured. 

Fresh goji berries are rare to find, although not impossible. Other treasures include honey made from the goji (Lycium) flower and oil made from the goji seeds. 

HOW TO USE 

The simplest way to get started is to use goji berries the way you would raisins. They can be added to both sweet and savory recipes. Eat them raw or cooked, steeped into tea, or added to baked goods, energy bars, granola, muesli, sauces, trail mix, dessert or smoothies. Sprinkle on top of your coconut yogurt, oatmeal or salad. Or snack on just as they are. Another positive trait about this superfood is that they taste delicious. A lot of medicinal and nutrient dense superfoods will taste bitter or unpleasant so they can be difficult to eat, especially for kids. Children who reject things like spirulina, nettles, neem or turmeric will often embrace goji berries. 

Goji berries are also great for coloring food orange. How do you get an orange color in a cheesecake? By blending goji berries! You can also make an orange colored smoothie, frosting or sauce using goji. When blending into drinks, sauces or cakes I recommend softening the dried berries by rehydrating them first. This simply means soaking them in any liquid you are using and allowing them about 10 minutes to plump up. . 

STORING 

Store in an air-tight container or zip-lock bag in a cool, dark and dry place. For longer storage goji berries can be refrigerated or frozen. 

SUBSTITUTIONS 

Goji berries can be easily swapped with other dried fruit such as dried cranberries, raisins, currants or apricots. 

HEALTH BENEFITS 

Goji berries have such an impressive range of health benefits, it is no wonder it is ranked as the number 1 superfood in Chinese Medicine. It is used in particular for strengthening and supporting the liver, kidneys, eyes and lungs.

With immune boosting antioxidants, phytochemicals goji berries improve immunity, longevity and vitality by warding off disease and depression. 

The orange color is a testimony of the exceptional amounts of Beta-carotene found in goji berries. In fact, goji berries have the highest ratio of Beta-carotene found in any plant, including carrots. Beta-carotene helps with bone density, skin health, cell development and, of course, eye sight. And studies show that goji berries can protect our eyes from glaucoma and other eye problems.

Goji berries also have more vitamin C than oranges. A clinical study on cancer patients found that consuming goji berries helped in their recovery from the disease. 

Goji berries are also known as one of the few plant sources of complete protein, meaning they contain all essential amino acids. Other potential benefits include lowered cholesterol, stabilized blood sugar, improved digestive health, increased energy levels and reduced anxiety,