If you’re a fan of superfoods, then you’ve likely heard about goji berries.
These little red berries are powerful in the nutrition department and have been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments like insomnia, inflammation, and fatigue.
Goji berries are commonly used as a natural superfood supplement and can be found in many health stores.
They have been shown to contain high levels of antioxidants that may help fight against free radicals in the body. This article will discuss everything from how they taste to where you can buy them and their benefits.
We hope that reading this article helps answer any questions about these delicious little fruits.
What are Goji Berries? Types of Goji Berries?
The Goji berry is the fruit of Lycium barbarum, a plant native to Asia. It’s also known as wolfberry and has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine.
They are a delicious, sweet, and tangy fruit that contains a high level of antioxidants.
However, they have been relatively unknown in the U.S., even though they were eaten by ancient Chinese emperors to improve their health and longevity.
In recent years, goji berries have become popular with people who want to improve their health or lose weight.
The name “goji” comes from the Mandarin word gouqi, which means “bright red.”
There are 3 different types of goji berries: red, black, and yellow. The most common variety in North America is the red goji berry, which has been around since the 1990s.
They usually have a sweet taste with hints of cinnamon or vanilla flavor.
While their black counterpart tends to be more potent than their red counterparts because they have higher levels of antioxidants.
Amazing Benefits of Goji Berries
First, goji berries are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from free radicals, which can cause cell damage.
Second, they’re high in Vitamin A and B as well. These vitamins help keep our eyesight sharp by preventing age-related eye degeneration (ARED).
Goji berries also provide us with a substantial amount of protein per handful thanks to the amino acid arginine.
Arginine helps preserve muscle mass while boosting energy levels during exercise because it’s an essential part of making nitric oxide – your body’s natural vasodilator.
They can help reduce inflammation throughout the body and improve blood flow by lowering cholesterol levels. A study found that eating goji berries helped to improve memory function and cognitive performance.
What Do Goji Berries Taste Like? Do Goji Berries Taste Good?
The taste of goji berries is distinctive, but it depends on what type of goji berry you’re eating. The best-selling type of goji berry is the red variety.
If their dark purple hue doesn’t catch your eye then I’m sure their flavor will; they’re juicy enough to be enjoyed by themselves but also great as an ingredient in cooking or baking.
The taste of goji berries is often described as sweet and tangy with hints of raisins or dates.
You can eat them as is or add them to your favorite recipes like smoothies or oatmeal. And because they’re so versatile, goji berries make an excellent addition to any diet plan.
Dried goji berries have a distinct flavor that is less sweet than their fresh counterpart, and are often dry enough to be eaten like raisins.
How to Eat Goji Berries?
You can buy goji berries in dried or juice form. If you buy them in the raw, fresh goji berry variety they are about five times sweeter than a grapefruit and can be eaten as is.
In their dry state (which I prefer), these berries have been boiled down to such an extent that any sweetness has evaporated away.
Instead what remains on your tongue at first bite feels like rich raisins soaked with dark purple syrup of concentrated flavor.
You can add them to yogurt or oatmeal, use them as an ingredient in a baked good like goji berry bread with chocolate chips and walnuts.
Alongside the other ingredients, I recommend mixing some pure maple syrup to sweeten it up.
You can also make jam out of these berries mixed into sugar water that has been boiled down until thick enough for consistency.
Make sure not to overcook them, as they lose their shape and juice when cooked too long.
Alternatively, you can dry the goji berries at low heat in your oven for about 20 to 30 minutes or so until crisp but not browned – this is how I prefer mine! This gives way more of an intense raisin-like flavor.
To make tea with goji berries, you can either steep them in hot water for a few minutes or infuse your choice of herbal tea with them.
Once the liquid has cooled down to desired temperature and consistency, it is ready! I recommend using another natural sweetener like honey if needed.
How Many Goji Berries Should I Eat A Day?
There is no recommended daily intake of goji berries because there have not been any studies done on the health benefits or risks associated with consuming them.
However, some people may be able to tolerate eating up to 20-30 grams per day without experiencing adverse effects.
It’s important not just to eat them on their own because they lack live enzymes.
If desired, cook them first before adding them to your favorite yogurt or oatmeal dish for more flavor and nutrition.
Tips for Buying Goji Berries
You should buy them from a reputable grocery store or health food market.
When buying goji berries, try selecting ones that are bright red and free of any blemishes or mold spots on the skin surface because this will indicate a higher quality product with increased nutrient levels as well.
The berries may lose their bright red color after being refrigerated but this doesn’t affect how well goji berry tastes once prepared.
It is always best practice not to buy large quantities of any type of product without understanding its shelf life potential. Goji berries are seasonal, so make sure to buy them when they’re in season.
There should be a clear expiration date on the package. If you are buying them in bulk for long-term storage, it’s important to know that they will keep fresh up until 12 months if stored correctly.
How to Store Goji Berries
You should store them in a cool, dark place. Goji berries are one of those tricky dietary bits that you want to stock up on but do so with caution.
Buying in bulk is ideal for saving money. But, keep in mind that their shelf life is only 12 months with proper storage.
Make sure your air-tight containers seal tightly so there is no chance insects get inside & spoil them by spreading microbes.
Also, avoid exposing them to too much light, which can cause them to turn brown.
Conclsuion
In conclusion, the goji berry is a unique fruit with many benefits. It is a strong antioxidant, it’s high in vitamins and minerals (especially protein).
They’re also low-fat with zero cholesterol or saturated fat content – making them an excellent snack option for those looking to maintain their weight as well!
While they are tart and can have some funky textures, it’s worth getting past that for their many benefits. So go ahead and give this berry another chance today.
What Do Goji Berries Taste Like? Do Goji Berries Taste Good?
Ingredients
- Goji berries
- Ingredients from your favorite recipes
Instructions
- Depending on the recipes you choose, the taste can vastly differ.
- For authentic results, it is important to choose a recipe that will highlight the original flavor.
- Have fun experimenting with different recipes and taste tests!
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