How To: Soaked Goji Berries
by Vickie Chin on Jul 23, 2020
Goji berries are one of the more well-known superfoods out there. Did you know that goji berries are actually part of the adaptogen family? They might just seem like an antioxidant rich little superfruit but they’re actually amazing for boosting energy and physical performance and also for promoting a sense of calmness and wellbeing - among other benefits.
Aside from being an ~adatoptogen~ goji berries are a good source of vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, vitamin S, zinc, fiber, iron and of course antioxidants. They’re also an excellent source of essential amino acids and contain a fair amount of plant protein, especially for a fruit.
You’ll often find them sprinkled on top of oats and smoothie bowls or in DIY and even store bought trail mixes. While those are definitely the most fool-proof ways to enjoy these nutrient rich dried berries - there are so many other fun ways to use them! Recently we’ve been soaking our goji berries - essentially, rehydrating these once juicy berries.
How to soak your goji berries:
Soaking your goji berries is so easy. All you need are dried goji berries, something to put them in and some filtered water. Place your goji berries in your container and cover with filtered water. Place in your fridge overnight - that’s it! Of course you could also use hot water to speed up this process. Once they’re plump and juicy, the possibilities are endless! Here are 4 of our favourite ways to use soaked goji berries that can help switch up your superfood routine.
4 Ways To Enjoy Soaked Goji Berries:
Goji Tea/ Juice:
Drink the water that your soaked goji berries have been steeping in as a juice or tea. You could also use this goji liquid as the base for more tea by heating it up and steeping some holy basil or lemongrass tea in it.
Goji Syrup:
Depending on how concentrated your goji berry liquid is, you could use it in place of other sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in juices, smoothies and even dressings. Learn how to make your own goji syrup here! Anywho, speaking of dressings….
Goji Ginger Dressing:
Try adding both the liquid and the soaked goji berries to a homemade dressing. We combined tahini, ginger, lemon, goji syrup and soaked goji berries to make a sweet, creamy and tangy dressing for grilled carrots. Check out the recipe here!
In Your Superfood Spritzer:
We made this hibiscus spritzer and added some soaked goji berries for a fun texture and extra flavour. Get the full recipe here.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to both dried and rehydrated goji berries. If you’re stumped on where to use them, try swapping out raisins for goji berries in your baked goods recipes, savoury rice or quinoa dishes and even homemade jams. Soaked goji berries have become a staple in our fridge, always on hand and ready to add to smoothies, savoury dinners and more.
