How to Eat Goji Berries: 8 Different Ways

Apr 26, 2019Contributing Editor
How-to-Eat-Goji-Berries-8-Different-Ways

Wondering how to eat goji berries? In this post, we share 8 different (and delicious) options as well as a few surprising health benefits of goji berries.

Superfoods seem to be all the craze lately, and for good reason. They are a nutritious and power-packed way to fuel your body.

While superfoods such as acai berries and chia seeds seem to get all the spotlight, there is another delicious (yet overlooked) choice:

Goji berries.

If you have never heard of goji berries before, don't worry. We will be going over the health benefits of goji berries as well as 8 different ways to eat them. Let's get started!

 

What are Goji Berries?

Goji berries are delicious, nutrient-dense red berries. They grow on evergreen shrubs that are native to the temperate and subtropical regions of China, Mongolia and Tibet.

Further, goji berries have a shape and chewy texture similar to raisins and a mild, tangy, sweet-sour taste resembling a combination of cranberries and cherries.

How-to-Eat-Goji-Berries-8-Different-Ways

The berry has been a staple in China for thousands of years, used in cuisine and herbal medicine. This is likely due to its many health benefits.

 

Health Benefits of Goji Berries

Goji berries are a source of antioxidants that help fight against free radicals. Free radicals can lead to cell damage and contribute to the development of chronic diseases.

Important Note: Consult a healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

 

How to Eat Goji Berries: 8 Different Ways

1. Raw

If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on fresh goji berries, you can always eat them raw! Fresh goji berries are a great addition in a salad, or even eaten by itself as a snack. Just eating a handful of these berries a day can do wonders for your health.

 

2. Juice

Goji berries are offered in a delicious juice form too. Omega Alpha offers 100% Goji Juice without any added juice concentrates, colour, or flavouring to give you the full effect of the berry. Additionally, the juice can be mixed into a smoothie for those who enjoy blended drinks.

 

3. Soups

A common use of goji berries is an additive to clear broths. The sweetness of the berries mixes well with meats and the tender berries can be consumed with the soup. This has been a staple of Chinese cuisine for thousands of years. Alternatively, dried berries can be used as a garnish for thicker soups to add extra texture and flavour.

4. Tea

Goji berries can be used to make tea. You can add a handful of goji berries to a mug of your favourite relaxing hot tea and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the berries become plump and juicy. Add in the juice of one lemon, a teaspoon of cayenne, and 1 teaspoon of maple syrup to create a healthy morning drink full of antioxidants.

 

5. Trail Mix

Goji berries can be treated similarly to raisins and mixed into your favourite combinations of nuts, dried fruit, and granola.

 

6. Breakfast Foods

Add goji berries to your oatmeal, cereal, or granola in the morning instead of other dried fruit.

 

7. Baked Goods

Substitute goji berries into recipes that would require dried cranberries or raisins such as in muffins or scones. The slightly sweet flavour of the dried fruit works well in baked goods.

 

8. Other Dish Additives

You can stir goji juice into salsa, chilli, or sauces and gently mix hydrated berries (soaked in water for 5-10 minutes) into rice, salsa, or stir fry. Experiment by using goji berries wherever you can including fruit, such as in ice creams, popsicles, or cakes.

 

Closing Thoughts

Hopefully, you found this post on how to eat goji berries helpful.

You can try goji berries by clicking here.

Finally, leave a comment below letting us know which option you are most excited to try.

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