Thursday, May 21, 2009

Goji Berries... the happy berry!

Goji Berries, known in Asia as the “Happy Berry,” is perhaps the most nutritionally rich fruit on Earth. Gojies are small red berries that resemble raisins in size and texture, but wow, what a power house.


Gojies have been hailed as increasing longevity and they are the number one ingredient in Chinese medicine. It is easy to understand why this is so when you take a look at their nutritional profile. Gojies are a supreme source of vitamins Bl, B2, B6 and E. This makes them famous as a tasty antioxidant. The Goji Berry has 19 amino acids (about the same as bee pollen) and 21 trace minerals, linoleic acid and other beneficial food co-factors. It has the same polysaccharide that has been found to stimulate the secretion of human growth hormone in the pituitary gland, a powerful innate anti-aging hormone. Goji Berries are a true super food, condensed nutrition in a bite size, chewable fruit.

And did you know that you can grow goji berries in most climates. I live in the Santa Cruz Mountains just south of San Francisco and about 3 weeks ago I planted some of my goji berries just to see what would happen… and bravo, they grew (see picture to right)!

Here is a recipe from my most recent book, Celebrate Life! that features goji berries in a most delightful way.

Goji Sesame “Mylk”

4 cups water
¾ cups white sesame seeds
¼ cup raw macadamia nuts or pine nuts
¼ cup goji berries
¼ cup agave nectar (optional)
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted (optional)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 pinch pink crystal salt or Real Salt

Blend until smooth: Put all the ingredients in a high speed blender (or blend in 2 batches in a home blended) and blend until smooth.

Strain if you like.
Straining will give a more velvety texture which affects taste as well.


Serving Ideas: Serve over granola and fresh cut fruits in season. Stir a little into tea in place of dairy milk. Add some cacao powder (raw chocolate) for a delicious chocolate beverage or enjoy as is any time of the day. Goji Sesame “Mylk” can be used as a base for a nutritious smoothie by blending it with fruits(s), a raw protein powder and/or green powders for extra nutrition.

How to Store: Store in a covered half gallon glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Shake or stir before serving.