Goji berries contain high levels of vitamin C and beta-carotene, almost 20 amino acids, vitamins B1, B2, B6, 21 trace minerals such as iron, zinc, copper, phosphorous, selenium, magnesium and polysaccharides, a carbohydrate which promotes healthy blood sugar levels.
They are a Super-Food which strengthens the immune system, has anti-aging properties, improves eyesight, nourishes body organs – liver and kidneys, helps to normalize blood sugar levels and control blood pressure levels, lowers cholesterol, and is used for weight loss [Goji Berry Benefits – Side Effects]. Oh yes … they also taste good.
Goji Berries are delicious and healthy just the way they are, fresh and tasty. Eat a handful Daily. They can also be eaten in many other forms.
Goji Berry Juice
Goji Berries lend themselves well to Juicing. In areas of Asia where Goji Berries originate from there are a number of Recipes for Goji Berry Juices- One excellent source is the Tibetan Goji Berries site. The following is one of my favorites.
Using equal amounts of Goji Berries, blueberries, OR Strawberries, raspberries or blackberries blend them for less than a minute in a blender or food processor with a cup of cranberry juice. You can also use Orange Juice. You can then either strain it or enjoy it with the pulp. Bottoms up.
To Extract Pure Goji Berry Juice
Instructions:
Thoroughly rinse and clean the berries, picking out any rotten, unripe berries as well as stems or leaves as you go.
Place the goji berries in a pot and fill it with just enough water to cover all of the berries. Heat them for just under 10 minutes, don’t allow it boil , just heat them until they are soft. Boiling will deplete many of the vitamins and nutrients . Blend the berries in a blender until you have a paste, the consistency of a coarse puree.
Pour the puree through a strainer bag [slowly] allowing the excess juice to drip into a container. You should leave the puree to drip until it is completely cooled off – room temperature – by this time you should only have a damp blob of pulp left in the strainer . You can squeeze the pulp a tad more if you’d like to extract any remaining juice.
The goji berry juice can be stored in a refrigerated sealed container , or frozen. I sometimes mix the remaining pulp with other fruits and extracts to make Jelly , it can also be dried as Goji Berry Wine.
Goji Berry Recipes and Ideas
Goji berry tea is another tasty diversion from the normal hot beverage. Add a handful of goji berries to a glass of hot water or blend them in with another herb tea. Allow them to sit in the water or tea for about 10 minutes. They absorb the water or tea and expand slightly, becoming juicier. You can not only enjoy the tea but the berries are still loaded with antioxidants and can be eaten as they are or used in other recipes such as jams ,preserves, pies. I like to mmix them with dried hibiscus flowers as the two flavors compliment one another.
Dehydrated goji berries can be added to a trail mix, or used just as they are. Nuts, goji berries and other dried fruits and berries make an excellent snack . See: Drying Goji Berries
Desserts , ice cream, smoothies. For a great smoothie hydrate a batch of Goji Berries by soaking them in water for 10 to 15 minutes. When they are saturated, plump and juicy, blend them into to your favorite smoothie.
Just like Nuts, strawberries and raisins they taste great in either hot or cold cereals.
Baking goji berries with cakes and muffins works well also. Any baked recipe for blueberries or raisins – Goji can be used instead.
Another Recipe you might enjoy is Goji Ginger Balls
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup Pitted Prunes
- 1 cup pecans
- 1/2 cup dry oatmeal
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup goji berries
- 1 Tsp. minced ginger
- 1/4 Tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp. salt Honey & Orange Juice
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients, except the honey and blend well in a food processor, add just enough Orange Juice to keep the mixture moist, but not sloppy. You’ll need the mixture to be the consistency of dough. Roll it into balls about an inch around and drizzle to taste with honey -refrigerate for about an hour before serving.