General Information
Fresh Goji berries are a vibrant red-orange and are comparable to currants in shape and size. They have a tangy yet sweet flavor like a cross between a cranberry and a cherry. Goji berries have a juicy texture and no noticeable seeds. The berries are delicate and must be picked by hand.
Use fresh or frozen Goji berries in pancakes, cook down to make syrup, blend into smoothies and fold into muffin or scone batters. Use dried berries in chunky cookies, trail mixes and granola, or make a uniquely flavored Goji berry & chicken soup. Fresh berries can be juiced for maximum health benefits. The juice can be frozen or used for a number of frozen desserts. A tea can be made from the dried berries. Fresh berries have a short shelf life. Most Goji berries are available for purchase in dried or frozen form.
History
Goji berries are native to China, though due to changes in soil composition through the Industrial Revolution in its native country, the berries do not grow as well as in other areas in eastern Asia. The Himalayas, Mongolia and Tibet produce most of the world’s Goji berries. Few farmers in the US and New Zealand grow Goji berries; fresh berries can be found in limited quantities at farmers markets. The small brightly-colored berries are also known as ‘Wolfberries’. The English name “Goji” is likely derived from the Mandarin Chinese Gouqi (pronounced goo-chee).
