For a long time, Goji Berries were used in traditional medicine in China. They would add it to soups and herbal teas to ward off illness and infection and to naturally enhance the immune system. It was also used to slow signs of aging, help maintain eye health and strengthen your liver, kidney, and lungs. Now, we can see Goji berries made into supplements, superfood blends, extracts, and teas to help as a home remedy!
- Just 28 grams of dried Goji berries contain 501% of the RDI of Vitamin A and 15% of the RDI of Vitamin C as well as 4 grams of protein
- A study showed that drinking four ounces of Goji berry juice per day increases levels of immune cells and help overall feelings of well-being
- Research has shown that Goji berries may enhance eye health and protect against disorders like macular degeneration
Recipes:
Vanilla Goji Berry Balls (runningonrealfood.com)
- 1 cup lightly packed, pitted Soft dates
- 2/3 cup Raw Cashews
- 1/2 cup dried Goji Berries
- 1/4 cup Cacao Nobs
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract, optional
- Place all ingredients in a food processor and mix into a thick, sticky dough you can easily press together between your fingers. If it’s not sticking, add 1 tsp of warm water and process again. That should do the trick, but if not, repeat 1-2 times until it does.
- Roll into 12 balls and store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freezer for up to 2 months.
Goji Berry & Pistachio Granola Bars (MayIhavethatrecipe.com)
- 2 cups Oats
- 1/4 cup Shelled Salted Pistachios, chopped
- 3 tablespoons Flax Seeds
- 1/3 cup Honey or Agave
- 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
- 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Almond Butter
- 1/4 cup dried Goji Berries
- Preheat oven to 350F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange oats in a single layer and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, keeping an eye so they don't burn. Set aside to cool
- Transfer oats to a large bowl. Add chopped pistachios and flax seeds and toss well
- In a small saucepan, combine honey or agave with vanilla extract and coconut oil. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the coconut oil has melted. Whisk in almond butter and continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until well incorporated.
- Remove from heat and add Goji berries. Pour mixture over oats and mix well with a wooden spoon, making sure they are well coated
- Coat a 11inx7in nonstick baking pan with cooking spray. Transfer oat mixture evenly, pressing it well into the pan (the more you press it, the better the bars will stick together!). Refrigerate until firm (at least 2 hours), remove from pan and cut into bars. Makes about 12 bars (depending on the size you want them). Keep the bars refrigerated
Spicy Goji Berry Soup (Wallflowerkitchen.com)
- 1 cup dried Goji Berries
- 1 cup chopped Tomatoes
- 3/4 pint Vegetable Stock
- 1 large Onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 small Chili, chopped finely
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Coriander leaves, torn
- Wash and soak the goji berries for a few minutes to rehydrate them. (I let mine soak overnight for convenience.)
- Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan and saute the onion and chili for a couple of minutes before adding the tomatoes, goji berries and cumin seeds. Stir for another few minutes.
- Add the stock, bring to the boil and reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the fresh coriander and blend the soup until smooth.
- Decorate with a few fresh coriander leaves, cumin seeds and black pepper. (Optional: swirl in a tsp of yogurt or cream)
