Wolfberries (Dried)

by | Jan 1, 2009 | Ingredients | 0 comments

Ingredient Name:

Wolfberry (also known as goji berry, barbary matrimony vine, bocksdorn, Duke of Argyll’s tea tree, red medlar or matrimony vine)

Traditional Chinese Name: 杞子(gǒuqǐzi)

Nature: Neutral

Targets: Kidney and liver

This is one of the those basic Chinese ingredients that you need in your pantry.  They pair nicely with most soups and herbal teas!  You can check out this post and video on “The basic ingredients for your Chinese Soup pantry”.

 

This ingredient is a must have in your Chinese soup pantry. It is used in soups, stews, porridge, sweet soups, teas and a variety of Chinese dishes. My mom will use this for most chicken soup stocks, especially during my confinement and quite frankly, these little things don’t taste that bad either, slightly sweet, slightly tart, with a bit of crunch from the seeds.  I actually really do enjoy eating them!

What are goji berries?

Dried goji berries are actually the fruit from the goji berry plant (or wolfberry plant), which range from bright red to bright orange in colour.  

The dried berries are typically 1-2 cm in length and are predominantly grown, cultured, and processed in China and then exported to other countries.

They are common in both Eastern medicine and western health supplements, showing up in dried to powdered form.

How do you prepare them?

For use in soups, you can presoak or rinse in warm water to rinse any processing residue.  I normally just drop them directly into soups and teas.

They travel very well, so it is something I do recommend you can take with you in little bags or reusable containers to make teas in hotels and away from home.  You can check out this video here on how to make herbals teas with wolfberries if you’re traveling.

Where can I buy it and cost?

      • You can purchase these from most Asian supermarkets prepackaged
      • You can also purchase this in bulk from specialty stores (online herbal shops)
      • Be sure that you’re buying from a reputable source
      • The prices will vary but generally cost around $10 USD for 150g
      • You can check out this product I’ve found and used myself from Amazon as I was bulk ordering some stuff anyways!

Any benefits?

        • From a Traditional Chinese medicine perspective, dried goji berries (or wolfberries) help tonify the yin of the liver and kidneys
        • These are amazing for eye health and brightens the eyes.  You’ll hear this very commonly in Asia from old ladies and men from the wet mart!
        • Wolfberries are high in antioxidants and contains a significant percentage of daily macronutrient needs such as: carbohydrates, protein, fat and dietary fiber
        • They also contain 6 essential vitamins, Beta-Carotene, Calcium, Potassium, Iron and Zinc
        • It is a natural supplement for improving eyesight and may assist with eye strain for frequent computer users
        • It is also known to be beneficial for the liver

    Any precautions?

        • There are many positive medical claims that involve the consumption of wolfberries, however for many claims, very little (if any) have been verified by western medicine

        • The consumption of pills and ground wolfberries should be under the consultation of a physician

        • Excess consumption of wolfberry tea may lead to bleeding in the elderly

    Looking to build your basic Chinese Soup Pantry?

    Check it out in my video to learn more!

     

    EXPLORE MORE

    A Chinese Herbal Tea to Nourish, Heal, and Strengthen the Lungs

    Tea Name: Nourishing, Healing, and Strengthening Chinese Herbal tea for the lungs (and cooling) Traditional Chinese Name: 羅漢果雪梨茶 (luó hàn guǒ xuě lí chá) Nature:  Cooling Taste: Sweet and sour (You can read this article on the impact on your body of different food...

    Cooling Snow Pears and Apples in a Chrysanthemum Tea

    Tea Name: Cooling Snow Pears and Apples in a Chrysanthemum Tea Traditional Chinese Name: 雪梨蘋果菊花清熱茶 (xuě lí píng guǒ jú huā qīng rè chá)  Nature:  Cooling Taste: Sweet and sour (You can read this article on the impact on your body of different food tastes!) For more...

    Japanese Inspired Vinaigrette (for Beef Carpaccio or Salad)

    Sauce Name: Japanese inspired vinaigrette (for beef carpaccio or salads or as an appetizers) Nature:  Warm (which is primarily the vinegar) Taste:  Sour and bitter and slightly sweet Targets: Liver and stomach   For more videos, you can follow us on YouTube.Yes! ...

    6 Practical Applications of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Every Day Life

    6 PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE IN EVERY DAY LIFE(A TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE PERSPECTIVE)Practicing and living in Traditional Chinese Medicine concepts isn't hard!  It's actually all about what you consume, when you consume it, your...

    Green radish with carrots & corn in a Chinese herbal pork broth

    Soup Name: Green radish with carrots & corn in a Chinese Herbal Pork Broth Traditional Chinese Name: 紅青蘿蔔湯 (hóng qing luóbo tang) Nature:  Cooling Taste: Sweet and savory For more videos, you can follow us on YouTube.My parents came home last night from a cruise...

    A Chinese Herbal Tea to Nourish, Heal, and Strengthen the Lungs

    Tea Name: Nourishing, Healing, and Strengthening Chinese Herbal tea for the lungs (and cooling) Traditional Chinese Name: 羅漢果雪梨茶 (luó hàn guǒ xuě lí chá) Nature:  Cooling Taste: Sweet and sour (You can read this article on the impact on your body of different food...

    Cooling Snow Pears and Apples in a Chrysanthemum Tea

    Tea Name: Cooling Snow Pears and Apples in a Chrysanthemum Tea Traditional Chinese Name: 雪梨蘋果菊花清熱茶 (xuě lí píng guǒ jú huā qīng rè chá)  Nature:  Cooling Taste: Sweet and sour (You can read this article on the impact on your body of different food tastes!) For more...

    Green radish with carrots & corn in a Chinese herbal pork broth

    Soup Name: Green radish with carrots & corn in a Chinese Herbal Pork Broth Traditional Chinese Name: 紅青蘿蔔湯 (hóng qing luóbo tang) Nature:  Cooling Taste: Sweet and savory For more videos, you can follow us on YouTube.My parents came home last night from a cruise...

    Hot and slightly spicy Korean Kimchi and Tofu Jjigae (soup)

    Soup Name: Korean  Kimchi and Tofu Jjigae (Soup) Nature:  Cool (although could be warmer depending on how spicy you make it, but this is driven by the cooling white radish and tofu) Taste:  Sweet, Salty For more videos, you can follow us on YouTube.I know there's a...

    Chinese-Styled Cream of Corn Egg Drop Soup

    Tea Name: Chinese-Styled Cream of Corn and Egg Drop Soup Chinese Name:  玉米湯 (yù mǐ tāng)   Nature:  Warm Taste:  Sweet, Salty For more videos, you can follow us on YouTube.There are as many versions of a Chinese-styled corn and egg drop soup as there are likely ABC...

    GIVE YOUR LOVE OF SOUP.

    FOLLOW US AND SHARE.