Dried Goji Berries (枸杞子), also known as Gou Qi Zi or Wolf Berries, are a highly prized Eastern superfood due to their versatility in many food and drink recipes.
Being native to Asia, this brightly coloured fruit has been used for over 2,000 years as a medicinal herb and used in food supplements to promote natural health.
So, here are 10 brilliant ways to use Dried Goji Berries in your everyday routine...
What are Dried Goji Berries?
A naturally high source of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, premium quality Goji Berries are grown in their original source in regions such as Ning Xia in China, to achieve the highest level of nutrition in areas with low pollution levels.
They are known for their slightly sweet and sour flavour, whilst possessing a vibrant red skin, targeting the liver, kidney and lung meridians to strengthen vital energy (qi).
It's popularity is spreading through the Western world, as the discovery of the Goji's potential is being utilised by many individuals to boost health and wellness to achieve their goals.
What are the health benefits of Dried Goji Berries?
Being a well-known herb across Chinese medicine, this ingredient has been used traditionally to potentially assist:
- Boost the immune system
- Improve eye health with high levels of zeaxanthin
- Support healthy skin
- Manage blood sugar levels
- Promote weight loss
- Increase metabolism
- Assist sperm movement and quality
As promised, here are our top 10 uses of Dried Goji Berries to introduce into your daily routine...
1) Raw Form
Sometimes it's the simple things that really are special.
Goji Berries make for a perfect mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack to keep you fuller for longer, whilst providing you with extra nutritious value.
2) Goji & Honey Tea
Combining a handful of this herb with a teaspoon of honey makes for a sensational sweet herbal tea.
We recommend around 5 minutes to let the herbs steep before diving into a world of peaceful herbal ingredients.
3) Scones Toppings
Feeling a little rogue and looking to disrupt the norm?
Instead of turning to good old reliable jam and cream, why not give Goji Berries and seeds a go as a tasty topping alternative!
4) Brownie Toppings
Everyone loves a good brownie, right?
Using natural Goji Berries as a topping surely decreases the guilt factor!
Many of the Vita team absolutely LOVE these Goji Brownies and is an office favourite for good reason. THat's your weekend treat sorted!
5) Smoothie Bowl
Upgrading your breakfast options is always a good choice.
Combine Goji Berries with shredded coconut, berries, seeds and strawberry smoothie creates a sweet sensation to make this morning one to remember.
6) Fruit Juice
Combining this with another sweet fruit, such as mango or pineapple can be a fantastic way to use Dried Goji Berries in a liquid form.
This makes for a great on-the-go option, being a quick and easy treat to make at home.
7) Supplement
Make use of that blender you've stored at the back of your cupboard for months on end!
Blending two handfuls of Dried Goji Berries into a powder makes for a natural supplement option, ready to infuse in milkshakes, protein supplements and more.
8) Soups
Keep this option in mind when the weather starts to turn for the worse and the cold nights drift in.
A warming hearty meal, soup is always a favourite among many - especially when Dried Goji Berries can add a little differential taste factor!
9) Cereals
Sprinkle a handful of this herb on your favourite cereal will help kickstart your morning on the right foot.
Dried Goji Berries can be used in both hot or cold cereal choices, so the world's your oyster!
10) Energy Bars
Rounding off this entry is one for the gym lovers.
Blend a handful of goji berries together with a cup of nuts (preferable walnuts for the nuttier taste), almonds and 5 dates.
Roll out this mix into small balls then spread in a deep pan to start your goji energy bar bonanza!
Where can I buy Dried Goji Berries?
You can get hold of Dried Goji Berries in the following quantities:
Dried Goji Berries 枸杞子 (Gou Qi Zi/Wolf Berries) | (100g)
Dried Goji Berries 枸杞子 (Gou Qi Zi/Wolf Berries) | (500g)
Summary
Now that you've got some scrumptious ideas of how to use this versatile herb, we're excited to see you impress your friends and family with your Goji Berry knowledge!
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For any further queries regarding our authentic Eastern herbs or any of our products, please email info@vitaherbalnutrition.com and we'll be happy to help.