Goji Berries: Health Benefits and How to Make Tea
Goji berries are a type of red fruit famously known for their antioxidant properties, vitamin richness, and nutritional qualities. Cultivated for over 2,000 years in China, Mongolia, and Tibet, they have long been included in Chinese medicine and pharmacology as a food supplement. They are gluten-free and therefore suitable for coeliacs.
They can be eaten plain, fresh or dried, soaked and rehydrated; added to smoothies, infusions, or fruit salad; or with breakfast cereals. Their sweet taste and healthy properties can make these berries very versatile, both in drinks and cooking. A tea with goji berries, or a simple infusion of this fruit, is a delicious and vitamin-rich way to strengthen the immune system and enjoy its benefits.
Learn more about this special fruit, how to make tea with it, and what its benefits are.
Benefits of Goji Berries
Goji berries, also known as wolfberry and whose name comes from the Chinese gǒuqǐ, are a fruit harvested from the Lycium barbarum plant and Lycium chinense — both of different species, but from the same family. Although similar, they have different flavours, and sugar levels. Also, their taste can differ depending on whether they are fresh or dried.
Berries are a powerful natural vitamin and antioxidant. Like citrus fruits, they contain a large percentage of vitamin C, which may help to strengthen the immune system.
Its diuretic potential may also help eliminate toxins. In addition, Goji Berries can be an excellent ally in weight loss due to their beneficial action in eliminating localized fat. They may also contribute to the improvement of vision and sleep.
How to consume Goji Berries
In traditional Chinese medicine, its most common use is as a yin helper for the kidneys and liver, taken in small portions two to three times a day. They can also be ground into a fine powder and combined with other herbs. In the West, Goji Berries became more popular in the early 2000s and quickly became a common ingredient in recipes and infusions.
Dried berries are also widely used ingredient in commercial products, supplements, and cooking, being added to soups, herbal teas, and added to wines. In teas, it is often used as a weight loss aid, anti-ageing, and liver protection. In fact, in Chinese tradition, tea is the preferred method of consuming these berries.
How to make Goji Berry Tea
Goji Berry Tea is recommended to increase body energy and strengthen defences. In addition, it can act as a detox tea that will help you improve intestinal transit and thus deflate. Due to their antioxidant potential, Goji Berries can be excellent allies in the diet and in balancing the nervous system.
Pure Goji Berry Infusion
An infusion with Goji Berries is as simple as a basic lemon peel infusion. If you choose to drink it pure, all you need is to add the berries to boiling water and let it steep for a few minutes before consuming.
Ingredients (for 3 people):
- 700ml of boiling water;
- 30gr of Goji Berries;
- 10 – 15 minutes at rest (or up to 1 hour for maximum flavour);
- Sugar, honey, or sweetener to taste (optional).
Goji Berry Tea: Suggestion
If, on the other hand, you would like to combine them in a tea, green, or oolong tea is best.
Ingredients (for 3 people):
- 700ml of boiling water;
- 30gr of Goji Berries;
- 2gr of green tea or oolong tea per cup;
- 10 – 15 minutes at rest (or up to 1 hour for maximum flavour);
- Sugar, honey, or sweetener to taste (optional).
Infusion Goji Berries and Ginger
In traditional Chinese medicine, it is common to combine Goji Berry Tea with fresh ginger and jujubes (also known as Chinese dates or red plums).
Ingredients (for 3 people):
- 700ml of boiling water;
- 30gr of Goji Berries;
- 2–3 Slices of fresh ginger;
- 1-2 Jelly beans (pitted);
- 10 – 15 minutes at rest (or up to 1 hour for maximum flavour);
- Sugar, honey, or sweetener to taste (optional).
You can also try our Green Tea with Goji Berries and Açaí, which blends hibiscus, apple, rose hips, and aronia berries.
Goji Berry Infusion with Cinnamon and Horsetail
We also introduce you to another infusion of Berries with Cinnamon Stick and Horsetail.
Ingredients (for 4 people):
- 1 L (1000ml) of boiling water;
- 1 Tablespoon of dried Berries;
- 3 Tablespoons of Horsetail (plant);
- 1 Cinnamon Stick;
- 15 minutes at rest;
- Sugar, honey, or sweetener to taste (optional).
Take a container, pour 1L of boiled water, and add all the ingredients (berries, horsetail, and cinnamon). Then cover it and let it infuse for 15 minutes. Finally, strain and let cool slightly before drinking.
Recommendations
Daily consumption of up to 2 tablespoons or 30 units of Berries is recommended, within a period of 3 to 4 weeks.
Delight yourself with the many options of goji berry teas and pamper your immune system!
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Willie Bohnker
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