The Goji Berry, also known as the wolfberry, has been cherished throughout Asia as one of the most nutrient-rich foods for thousands of years. Goji Berry fruit flavor resembles a combination of cranberries and cherries, and like acai, is a delicious superfood you can enjoy a number of ways. Berries can be eaten by the handful, and they provide a superfruit boost to oatmeal, cookies, trail mix and more. A surprisingly strong source of protein, Goji Berries also contain a wealth of antioxidants and over 20 vitamins and minerals. Though they sound exotic and are most often found with a high price tag in health food stores, Goji Berries are actually easy to grow, hardy plants. They've been a huge hit in Asia and Europe, and we are pleased to now offer them to you at Garden Supply Co.
Goji is a sprawling shrub with long, flexible canes and clusters of small leaves. The flowers are a brilliant purple, appearing in late spring or early summer along the length of the canes. Flowers give way to juicy, bright red fruits that resemble small peppers. They grow sweeter as they mature on the plant. Berries should be plucked off by hand when they are brilliant red and taste sweet. They come off the plant easily, without the need for pruners or knife. A single Goji Berry can contain up to 21 trace minerals, including zinc, iron, copper, calcium and 18 different amino acids.
How do I use my Goji Berries?
Use your Goji Berries the same way that you use those purchased from the health store. They can be used fresh if you wish, or they can be frozen or dried. To dry your berries, simply spread fresh berries in a single layer on a sheet of parchment. Keep berries in a cool, dry spot, out of direct sunlight, until the berries are dry. These can be used as is, or rehydrated with liquid, as needed. To freeze, place berries in a freezer bag and lay flat until frozen. This keeps berries from sticking together into large clumps. Well-sealed frozen Goji Berries should keep for several months and can be used straight from the freezer in your recipe.
Try these fun recipes using both dried and fresh Goji Berries, courtesy of Proven Winners:
Uncle Buck's Goji Salsa
8 c. gojis
8 c. tomatoes, peeled and diced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 T. black pepper
1/4 c. salt
3/4 c. sugar
1 c. white vinegar
3 onions, chopped
4 green peppers, chopped
15 jalapeno peppers, minced
12 oz. tomato paste
Bring all ingredients (except tomato paste) to boil. Simmer 45 minutes. After 30 minutes, stir in tomato paste.
Yields: 8 quarts
Sweet Goji Breakfast Bars
3/4 c. brown sugar, firmly packed
3/4 c. granulated sugar
8 oz. low-fat vanilla yogurt
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
2 T. vegetable oil
2 T. nonfat milk
2 t. vanilla
1 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 t. baking soda
1 t. ground cinnamon
1/2 t. salt (optional)
3 c. old fashioned oats
1 c. dried goji berries
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In large bowl combine sugars, yogurt, egg whites, oil, milk, and vanilla; mix well. In medium bowl combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well. Add dry ingredients to wet mix; mix well. Stir in oats and goji berries. Spread dough onto bottom of ungreased 13 x 9 baking pan. Bake 28-32 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely on wire rack. Cut into bars. Store tightly covered.
Nutritionally-rich Goji Berries are one of nature's true Superfoods. Long grown and prized in Asia and Europe for their medicinal value, delicious Goji Berries are now available to the North American market, and we are super excited to be able to offer Goji Berries for the very first time at Garden Supply Co. Quantities are limited, so hurry in for the best selection!