Overview
Goji berries are the dried fruits of the Lycium barbarum plant. Long used in East Asian cuisine and traditional herbal medicine, they’re considered a tonic for the eyes, liver, immune system, and overall vitality.These chewy, slightly sweet berries are incredibly versatile—you can add them to soups, teas, congee, and even desserts.
Active Compounds & Health Benefits
| Compound | Function |
| Zeaxanthin | Supports vision and eye protection from blue light and aging |
| Polysaccharides (LBPs) | Immune-modulating, antioxidant, blood sugar balance |
| Betaine | Liver-protective, supports detox pathways |
| Vitamin C & carotenoids | Immune and skin health, antioxidant effects |
| Flavonoids & phenolic acids | Cellular protection, anti-fatigue, anti-inflammatory |
Supported by both traditional use and modern studies for boosting energy, immune regulation, and protecting eyes.
Recipe 1: Chicken Soup with Goji Berries & Red Dates
For: Immune support, blood nourishment, postpartum recovery, fatigue
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (or 2 chicken legs)
- 10–15 goji berries (Gou Qi Zi)
- 5 red dates (Hong Zao)
- 3 slices of ginger
- Optional: 2 slices of astragalus root (Huang Qi) for added qi support
- Salt to taste
- 6–8 cups water
Instructions:
- Rinse the chicken and blanch briefly in boiling water to remove impurities.
- In a soup pot, add chicken, ginger, red dates, goji berries, and water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 1.5–2 hours.
- Add salt to taste. Remove bones before serving.
This is a deeply nourishing tonic, ideal for people who feel cold, tired, or run down.
Recipe 2: Goji Berry Tea with Chrysanthemum
For: Eye strain, dry eyes, mild headaches, detox from screen time
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon goji berries (Gou Qi Zi)
- 4–6 dried chrysanthemum flowers (Ju Hua)
- Optional: 1–2 red dates or a few slices of dried tangerine peel (Chen Pi)
- 2–3 cups hot water
Instructions:
- Rinse all herbs lightly.
- Add to a teapot or large mug.
- Pour hot water over and steep for 5–10 minutes.
- Drink warm. Refill water 1–2 times with the same herbs.
Best sipped in the afternoon or early evening to soothe tired eyes and cool excess heat.
Recipe 3: Goji & Lotus Seed Sweet Congee
For: Yin nourishment, calming the mind, sleep support, light digestion
Ingredients:
- ½ cup rice (white or jasmine)
- 10–12 goji berries (Gou Qi Zi)
- 10 lotus seeds (Lian Zi)
- 4 cups water
- Optional: 1 tablespoon dried longan (Gui Yuan) for calming effect
- Optional: rock sugar or honey to taste
Instructions:
- Rinse rice and lotus seeds. Soak lotus seeds for 1–2 hours if they’re hard.
- In a pot, bring water, rice, and lotus seeds to a boil.
- Lower heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add goji berries and any optional ingredients. Simmer another 10 minutes.
- Sweeten if desired and serve warm.
A comforting evening or bedtime food that nourishes blood and calms the spirit.
Pro Tips for Cooking with Goji Berries
- Don’t boil them too long—add toward the end of cooking to preserve nutrients.
- Soak before using to rehydrate them if you’re adding to cold dishes.
- Store them in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place to preserve color and potency.
- Avoid combining with overly heating foods (like chili) if using them for their cooling or yin-tonifying benefits.
