How to Cook with Goji Berries

goji berries

The berries of the Lycium chinensis plant, also known as wolfberries or goji berries, have a long history of use in Chinese herbal medicine. According to the University of Michigan Medical Center, wolfberries contain zeaxanthin, a carotenoid with possible benefits for macular degeneration. They also contain polysaccharides, which can lower blood glucose levels, triglycerides, insulin and cholesterol. You can use wolfberries, as people do in China, as an interesting ingredient to add to soups, stir fry or sauteed greens.

Cook with Goji Berries

What You Need

Wolfberries
Colander
Vegetable mixture of choice
Blender
Garlic
Cooking oil
Wok
Spinach
Steamer
Mushrooms
Mixed greens such as kale, spinach and mustard
Salt
Pepper
Soy sauce

Soup

Step 1

Measure 1/2 cup of wolfberries. Place the berries in a colander, and rinse under cool water to remove any debris. Set the berries aside.

Step 2

Choose a mixture of vegetables such as kale, sprouts, celery or carrots to use. Dice your vegetables until you have about two cups.

Step 3

Add the wolfberries and vegetables to your blender. Pulse the blender until your ingredients are smooth. Add a little bit of water to the blender if you desire a less thick consistency. Serve as a raw soup, or heat your soup on medium heat in a saucepan for about 20 minutes until warmed.

Stir-Fry

Step 1

Finely dice three cloves of garlic and add them to your wok. Add 1 tbsp. of cooking oil to the wok. Heat the oil and garlic on medium-low heat until the garlic browns.

Step 2

Put 2 tbsp. of wolfberries into your colander and rinse them under cool running water. Wash 2 cups of spinach and tear it into smaller, bite-sized pieces.

Step 3

Add the wolfberries and spinach to the oil and garlic in the wok. Increase the heat to medium. Stir and cook until the spinach begins to wilt, and then serve.

Steamed

Step 1

Fill the bottom part of your steamer with water. Boil the water on medium heat.

Step 2

Slice 1/2 cup of mushrooms, and set them aside.

Step 3

Cut up greens, such as kale, spinach or mustard, into bite-sized pieces. Wash the wolfberries and greens under cool running water.

Step 4

Add the wolfberries, greens and mushrooms to the upper part of your steamer. Steam for about 15 minutes until the berries and mushrooms soften, and the greens begin to wilt.

Step 5

Season your steamed berries and vegetables with a pinch of salt and pepper, or add enough soy sauce to lightly coat the vegetables.

References

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