Everyone is talking about the Goji Berry. They are the bright orange-red berry that comes from a shrub that’s native to China and has been used for generations because of its countless health benefits. Goji berries are rich in nutrients.
Studies have found that the berries can treat many common health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, fever, and age-related eye problems. Some of the other benefits included a feeling of well being and calmness, better athletic performance and quality of sleep, and weight loss.
We understand that consuming the berries can become a bit boring, so we’ve compiled a list of our favourite ways to use them to spice things up!
TEA
Goji berries can be used to brew a tea. Try adding a handful of goji berries to a big glass of hot or cold water and let it sit and hydrate for 5 to 10 minutes. The berries will become plump and juicy. Once you have drunk the tea, why not eat the hydrated berries? They’ll be loaded with antioxidants!
MUFFINS AND SCONES
Why not try adding goji berries to muffins or scones? They make a great substitute or accompaniment to raisins. Why not try adding blueberries too?
Goji Berry Scones:
- Mix together 200g flour and 1tbsp baking powder, then rub in 50g cubes of butter.
- Add 40g sugar, 30g goji berries and a handful of sultanas if you are using them.
- Pour in 150ml milk and 1 beaten egg to the mixture to make a dough.
- Knead the dough and roll out onto a floured surface.
- Using a cutter, cut out the scones and place on a greased baking tray.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, or until risen and golden.
ENERGY BARS
Goji berries also make great energy bars. They’re a healthier change to shop-brought snacks and have an added bonus of being good for you!
- Blend a handful of goji berries together with a cup of walnuts 1/2 cup of almonds and 5-6 jujube dates in a food processor.
- Roll the mix into balls or spread in a deep pan to make bars.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours and then enjoy!
SOUP
Want something to warm you up? Try spicy goji berry soup! Goji berries have been used in Chinese soups for many years but this is our take on a more Western dish to make you feel warm and fuzzy on the inside as the weather gets colder.
Ingredients:
- 100g dried goji berries
- 1 can of chopped tomatoes
- 450ml vegetable stock
- 1 large onion – diced
- Tbsp olive oil
- 1 small chilli – chopped finely
- Tsp cumin seeds
- Tbsp fresh coriander leaves
Instructions:
- Wash and soak the goji berries for a few minutes.
- Heat the olive oil in a medium sauce and sauté the onion and chilli until soft before adding tomatoes, goji berries and cumin seeds. Stir for a few minutes.
- Add the stock, bring to the boil and reduce to simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in fresh coriander and blend the soup until smooth.
POPCORN
This one is one of our favourites! Goji berry popcorn is perfect for a snack in front of the TV, whilst sitting on the train or eating at your desk at work. It’s tasty and super quick and easy to make!
- Melt 1 tbsp coconut oil in a sauce on a medium-high heat. Once melted, stir in 2tbsp cocoa powder, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp vanilla powder, handful of salt and a dash of maple syrup until combined.
- Add popping corn to the saucepan and shake until fully coated in the mixture. Place a lid on the sauce but leave a hole to let from the popcorn out.
- Once the popping starts, gently shake the pan over the heat. Leave until the popping stop and remove the pan from the heat.
- Transfer to a bowl and sprinkle with goji berries.
- Enjoy!
Check out the Vita Recipe page for more culinary ideas!