Black goji berry has the effects of nourishing the kidney and essence, nourishing the liver and improving eyesight, nourishing blood and calming the mind, promoting the production of body fluids to quench thirst, moistening the lungs and relieving cough, and treating liver and kidney yin deficiency, soreness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, and blurred vision. Moreover, it is rich in nutrients, containing various nutritional components such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, free amino acids, organic acids, minerals, trace elements, alkaloids, and vitamins. Most importantly, its anthocyanin content is 20 times that of blueberries. So, what is the best way to eat black goji berries for the best effect?
1. Eat them directly
Black goji berries can be eaten directly, with a light sweetness, somewhat like raisins, which is quite good. Moreover, when black goji berries are used to make tea or soups, their medicinal properties cannot be fully released, and the anthocyanins are also volatile. Due to factors like water temperature and soaking time, only some of the medicinal components in black goji berries can be released into the water or soup. If you chew them directly, the absorption of nutrients from the black goji berries will be more complete, which is more conducive to exerting their health benefits.
However, when chewing black goji berries, it's important to note that you should reduce the quantity by about a third, otherwise it's easier to over-nourish. Also, it is recommended to wash black goji berries before eating them directly. There might be dust, bacteria, and other impurities on the surface. It's best to rinse them several times with water to wash away some of the impurities before consumption.
2. Soak in water or tea
Black goji berries can be soaked directly in water or in tea. However, remember to use cold or warm water. High temperatures will destroy the anthocyanins in black goji berries. It is recommended to brew with water at a temperature of 50-75°C. Wait for about 5 minutes before drinking. Drink until the water is gone, and then eat the black goji berries.
Note: You can add some black goji berries when making tea, but not all teas can be consumed with black goji berries. Green tea is the least suitable to be eaten with black goji berries. Consuming them together can form a substance in the body that cannot be absorbed, which not only reduces the nutritional value but may also damage your health.
3. Soak in wine
Black goji berries can be soaked in wine and consumed immediately, but it is best to drink them after soaking for half a month to a month for better results. However, be aware that if you are making black goji berry wine and need to add other medicinal herbs, do not add them by yourself. The preparation of the medicine must be done under the guidance of a professional traditional Chinese medicine doctor. Common black goji berry wines include:
① Codonopsis Root and Black Goji Berry Wine
Ingredients: Codonopsis root 5g, black goji berries 20g, rice wine 500g.
Method: First, lightly crush and slice the codonopsis root. Place it together with the black goji berries in a container. Add rice wine, seal, and soak for 7 days. Then, remove the dregs, and it's ready.
② Black Goji Berry and Cordyceps Wine
Ingredients: Cordyceps 10g, black goji berries 40g, white liquor 500ml.
Method: Place the black goji berries and cordyceps into a bottle, add 500ml of white liquor, seal the bottle tightly, and shake it once daily. Start drinking after half a month. Drink 10-20ml warm in the morning and evening daily.
Effects: Tonifies deficiency and benefits essence, dispels cold and assists yang.
③ Seahorse and Black Goji Berry Wine
Ingredients: Seahorse 1 pair, black goji berries 30g, white liquor 500g (1 jin).
Method: Soak the two ingredients above in white liquor, seal, and store in a cool place. It's ready after 2 weeks. Once daily, take a small cup warm before bedtime.
Effects: Nourishes kidney yang.
4. Cook in soups, porridge, or rice
When making congee, soups, or steamed rice, add the washed goji berries after the water comes to a boil. Cook until done, and it's ready to eat. It not only adds color, aroma, and flavor but also serves as a food supplement.
5. Use as medicine
Black goji berries contain various nutrients such as protein, goji polysaccharides, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, making them more precious and having higher medicinal value than ordinary red goji berries. Black goji berries can treat various diseases such as heart heat disease, heart disease, irregular menstruation, and menopause. Under the guidance of a professional traditional Chinese medicine doctor, they can be used as medicine to nourish the liver and kidneys, strengthen the body, and improve human immunity.