Goji Berries
ๆธๆ
What Is Goji Berries?
Goji berries (ๆธๆ, gวu qว) โ also called wolfberries โ are small, red dried berries from the goji plant, native to northwest China. They've been used in Chinese cooking and traditional medicine for over 2,000 years, prized for their supposed benefits to eyes, liver, and longevity. They have a sweet-tart flavor reminiscent of cranberries and cherries.
How They're Used
- Soups and broths โ added for sweetness and health benefits
- Tea โ steeped alone or with red dates and chrysanthemum
- Congee โ stirred into rice porridge
- Savory dishes โ a handful in chicken soup or braised dishes
How to Use Them
Rinse goji berries, then soak in warm water for 10 minutes to rehydrate before adding to dishes. They plump up and become juicy.
Pro tip: Goji berries are best from Ningxia province in China โ look for this on the label. Avoid overly dry, pale berries; good ones are plump, bright red, and slightly sticky.
Taste & Flavor Profile
How to Use
Them
Rinse goji berries, then **soak in warm water for 10 minutes** to rehydrate before adding to dishes. They plump up and become juicy. **Pro tip:** Goji berries are best from **Ningxia province** in China โ look for this on the label. Avoid overly dry, pale berries; good ones are plump, bright red, and slightly sticky.
Best Substitutes
Can't find Goji Berries? Here are the best alternatives, ranked by similarity.
Similar sweetness and tartness. Different but workable.
Sweeter, less tart. Add a squeeze of lemon.
Where to Buy
Available at most Asian grocery stores and online. Look for bright, aromatic specimens.
