What are goji berries?
Known in Chinese medicine as the longevity fruit, goji berries are a small orange berry native to Asia . Nearly always sold as dried goji berries, they should be soft and chewy with a deep orange-red colour. Because of their texture, they are not so easy to blend, so goji berry powder makes an ideal smoothie ingredient, or alternative when you don’t want whole berries.
Fresh goji berries are also known as wolfberries. They grow on vines, just like tomatoes, and as a member of the nightshade family they are in fact related.
Are goji berries good for you?
Goji berries contain all three macronutrients as well as over 20 vitamins and minerals. Said to harness over 10 times the antioxidant power of blueberries, they can provide a vital boost for heart health and immune function. A bonafide superfood, they have a number of health benefits.
Eye health
Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants that support eye health and help prevent macular degeneration.
Restful sleep
Betaine plays a role in soothing nerves and promoting restful sleep.
Muscular support
Betaine also plays a role in muscle building whilst beta-sitosterol is an anti-inflammatory that soothes sore muscles.
Improve memory
Betaine is thought to enhance memory function.
A good source of vitamin C and B vitamins, goji berry powder also contains the essential minerals calcium, copper, iron, selenium and zinc.
What do goji berries taste like?
Dried goji berries have a sweetness similar to raisins, with the tartness of cranberries. They are a source of natural sweetness yet add a pleasing fruity fizz that lifts flavours and excites the palate. They pair well with anything, but mango and citrus fruits will bring out their fruity flavours.
How to use goji berries
Not just the ideal smoothie ingredient, goji berries are the perfect topping for your morning porridge. Full of beauty boosting nutrients, they are an essential ingredient in the best smoothies for skin. Great for breakfast, try adding goji berry powder to all your muesli, granola, yoghurt and breakfast bowls. Or use it to add some natural sweetness to your healthy bakes.
For optimum nutrition, aim to take 3 tablespoons goji berries a day. Or a generous tablespoon of powder added to your favourite foods.
Although safe for most people, the usual caution should be exercised if you are pregnant, take medication, or have underlying health conditions.
Did you know that goji berries are actually widely used in Chinese cuisine? Revered for their nutritional properties, but also for their sweet smoky flavour, they are added to soups, stews and braises. Why not try adding goji berry powder to this sticky pork belly recipe.
Goji berry powder is just one of our superfood ingredients for a smoothie. You can buy goji berry powder in bulk at our wholesale superstore.
This article was reproduced on this site only with permission from parent co. operafoods.com.au the “Gourmet Online Wholesale Grocer”. See original article here:- How to Use Goji Berries
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