Goji berries, also called wolfberries, are small reddish dried berries native to European and Asia countries. Although they’ve recently found their way in Western cultures, goji berries have been used in Ancient Chinese medicine for thousands of years to cure and treat a variety of ailments. Goji berries can be eaten just like you would any other dried berry and have a tart but sweet taste. I like using them in salads, oatmeal, smoothies, brownies, granola, trail mixes, and more.

• Like many berries, goji berries are incredibly rich in antioxidants, which garners their name as a “superfood”. These antioxidants include a variety of polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, Vitamin A, C, & E. Per weight, goji berries contain more beta-carotene than carrots and about 500 more times Vitamin C than an orange. Whoa baby! Antioxidants like these help neutralize and protect our bodies and cells against damaging free radicals, which can cause disease and other health problems.
• According to a 2005 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, goji berries contain properties that prevent vision loss. This may be due to their high concentration of antioxidants like Vitamin A.
• Goji berries are packed with an array of nutrients as well, and a quarter cup of goji berries contain 11 essential vitamins and 22 trace minerals. Some of these include potassium, iron, selenium, zinc, calcium, and fatty acids too.
• Ancient Chinese medicine practitioners use goji berries to treat high blood pressure, diabetes, nourish the liver and kidneys, and maintain good eye health. They’re even thought to boost metabolism and energy levels.

Vegukate Tips:

You can find dried goji berries at natural food stores, some city’s Chinatowns, online, or even at some farmers markets. Traveling to Asia? You can find giant bags of dried goji berries for cheap at most markets and grocery stores. I would buy huge bags of goji berries in Thailand to munch on and add to everything – and I even brought some home with me!

Store dried goji berries in a cool, dark place where they will keep for 6 months.