What do you do with Goji berries?

[LisaDS88]

I bought a package of raw dried Goji berries a little while ago from the health food store. They were okay but not all that great to just eat them straight out of the bag. I've heard they are good in smoothies, but I was wondering what other recipes some of you make with them. I need some ideas. Thanks!

[Toni in OR]

I do throw them in my smoothies. It occurred to me the other day that I might like them on a salad but I haven't tried it yet.

[Veganforlife]

Found this from Natural Zing (recipe at the bottom):

Authentic Tibetan Goji Berries (Wildcrafted) 18 oz
[goji] $24.50

These are the authentic, very pure Grade A goji berries that are shade dried, organically cultivated wild plants. Tibetan Lycium Eleagnus Barbarum (Tibetan Goji Berry) is the original source of this great energetic ancient Lycium berry and these Tibetan Goji berries are the purest form of the Lycium berry and come from a compassionate culture that honors all life. These Tibetan Goji berries have been grown in protected valleys in wild and cultivated areas of Inner Mongolia in million year-old soil where pesticides have never been used.

You will know when you are eating true Authentic Tibetan Goji Berries because they are very sweet and delicious tasting. If you get a cardboard sensation you may not be eating the true Goji (gogi as some type it).

These tibetan goji berries are a very rich source of vitamin C, having 500 times more vitamin C per ounce than oranges. They are also a superb source of vitamin A, more beta carotene than carrots. They have vitamins B1, B2, B6, and E and are becoming a famous antioxidant. They also are a rich source of both selenium and germanium. The goji berries have 18 amino acids (higher than bee pollen) and 21 trace minerals, linoleic acid and other beneficial food co-factors. Tibetan Goji Berries are a true "super" raw food of the highest type. It takes approximately 3 kilos (6.6 lbs) of fresh berries to make 1/2 kilo (18 oz) of dryed. That's a lot of berries.

Nutritional Facts: 1/4 Cup Serving (Approx. 1 oz, 28 g), Calories 90, Fat 0g, Fiber 4g, Protein 4g, Carbs 24g, Sugars 12g, Vitamin A 180%, Vitamin C 30%, Calcium 9% and Iron 15%

Goji berries strenthen the immune system and may stimulate release of rejuvenative human growth hormone by the pituitary gland. Goji berries have been related, traditionally, as strength building, adding longevity and linked to sexual potency. In some study groups with elderly people given goji berries they showed increased optimism, appetite improvement, patients slept better, and some patients partially or fully recovered their sexual function. Some claim that the Goji is a spiritually significant food. Nutrition can be spiritual and enhance your spiritual nature.

Please respect that the raw Goji Berry is a nutritionally dense, medicinal food. A therapeutic dose would be 1 to 2 handfuls or 10 to 30 grams per day however more can be eaten depending on individual needs. These raw goji berry treats are a great source of protein too.

Net Wt: 18oz (1/2 kilo) bag

Try the Incan Berries (also Goldenberries or Cape Gooseberry) for another powerful antioxidant food.

Purchase of this product supports the Clinic of Tibetan Medicine, the local Goji Farmers Cooperative, ethnobotany and botanical medicine research.


Recipe
Fresh Goji Berry Juice
1/4 cup goji berries, (1 oz)
2 cups water
optional: 1/4 cup fresh blackberries, raspberries or blueberries

1. Soak berries in water for 4 hours or more, overnight is fine
2. Blend in blender until well blended, optionally you can add some fresh fruit as listed above or apple, mango and/or banana.
3. Share with a friend

If additional sweetness is desired you can add some Raw Premium Organic Agave Nectar [click for more information].

Note: The Tibetan Goji Berry is not to be confused with the Chinese Wolfberries becoming more and more available. The Tibetan Goji Berry comes in 18 oz (1/2 kilo) bags, keep this in mind when comparing to the 1 lb prices of other companies. The Chinese Wolfberry may be grown with pesticides in depleted soil, dyed red, sulfured and irradiated. The Chinese Wolfberry may be more expensive too. There is also a multi-Level marketing company selling Goji (gogi) Juice or Himalayan (Himilayan) Wolf berry Juice or Goji Berry Juice. It is our understanding that these are not made from the Authentic Tibetan Goji Berry, though people are acheiving great results using the juice. Bottled Goji Juice may contain a small amount of heated fruit juice concentrates and a small amount of sodium benzoate preservative. See recipe above to make your own pure Raw Goji Juice. Enjoy your Goji (gogi) berry experience.

Note For Bottled Goji Berry Juice Drinkers:(e.g. Himilayan Goji Juice) Your bottled juice must be kept cold after opening. This makes it difficult to use when traveling or going to work. The dryed berry compliments the juice and does not need refrigeration. You can take this berry anywhere and be able to enjoy to positive effects of the raw food goji berry. Take the dryed berry when traveling or as a lunch snack. (gogi)

[sport]

I soak them in water for an hour or so and add them to my chocolate bar.

[sport]

This is not the one that I make as mine is simple but this one was posted here some time ago.

Red Chocolate
Grind up:
1/2 cup goji berries (usually sticky, not really a powder)

Blend until smooth:
1/2 cup melted cacao butter
1/2 cup raw cashews
1/2 cup agave nectar

Blend in Goji powder

Then by hand mix in whole:
1/2 cup cacao nibs (optional)
1/2 cup whole goji berries
The zest from 1 orange finely zested

Spread in a glass pie plate (think chocolate almond bark).
Chill in the freezer until firm