Goji Berry

Goji berry also know as wolfberry, and "happy" is a mild, tangy fruit that comes from a shrub that is native to China. They are said to boost immune function, protect the liver, treat eye problems, and promote longevity. I personally heard of goji berries from my boyfriend, one of his co-workers has children with sickle cell disease, they drink a combination of goji berries and alkaline water and haven't had a crisis in years. I am all for trying any herbal supplement that people suggest to help me stay out of pain! I'd be a fool to not try them.

I bought the berries from Whole Foods by a brand called Himalana Organic. Its was $8 for 4 oz. I am going to look around at a local health food store to try to find them for cheaper. I have just started to use them, and to be honest i was not a fan of the taste when I tried them dry and fresh out of the bag. They have a sweet and sour taste, sort of like a cranberry but it was just too dry for me! I searched to find some new ways to use them and still get all the benefits and i found this list below:

1. Raw: First and foremost, eat them raw! A small handful a day will do.
2. Juice: Goji berries are also available in juice form.
3. Tea: Goji berries can be used to brew in a tea. You can add a handful of goji berries to a big glass of hot or cold water (or herb tea) and let sit and hydrate for 5 to 10 minutes. They become plump and juicy. You can drink the tea and eat the hydrated berries which are loaded with antioxidants.
4. Smoothies: Soak a handful of goji berries in water for 10 minutes. Once they are plump and juicy, add them to your favorite smoothie. It won’t make much of a change to the taste or consistency of your smoothie.
5. Trail Mix: You can also add goji berries to your favorite trail mix. Or, make your own by mixing your favorite nuts and dried fruit with some goji berries. Kids like it when you add some chocolate or peanut butter chips to the goji trail mix.
6. Cereal: Just like raisins, add some goji berries to your hot or cold cereals in the morning.
7. Muffins and Scones: Add goji berries to muffins or scones just as you would raisins.
8. Goji Energy Bars: Blend a handful of goji berries together with cup of walnuts, ½ cup almonds, and 5-6 dates in a food processor. Roll the mix into balls or spread in a deep pan to make bars.
9. Add to Soups: This has been a common use of goji berries in Chinese cuisine for thousands of years. 
   

I have been using them by making a Tea that I drink in the morning, they are 10 times better after  hydrating them! Let me know if you all try it out, and any new recipes (and if you find them for cheaper lol)
(list of use credit to downtoearth.org)

Stay Strong,
Morgan