Integrative Health Blog

How to Get the Most from the Goji Berry

One of the reasons Goji is so super is that it has a special type of molecule known as polysaccharides. In my previous article, Superfoods Hacks: How to Get the Most Out of Your Superfoods,  I talked about how the polysaccharides in goji have been shown to strengthen the immune system in a unique way, fight free radicals, and may even have anti-tumor properties. Boiling Gojis in water, like the Chinese have been doing for centuries boosts the yield of polysaccharides because they are water-soluble nutrients.  However, Goji doesn’t only have water-soluble nutrients, it’s also full of a host of other phytonutrients such as zeaxanthin and oil-soluble vitamins, like vitamin A. What that means is that Goji tea is only giving us some of the good stuff in found in the berries, but not all. Enter Goji Milk Tea. Goji Milk Tea can be made with actual dairy or with non-dairy alternatives like coconut, hemp, or almond milk; according to your preference. What matters is that the base milk contains lipids (fats) to pull out the oil soluble nutrients, ensuring that we get the most out of this incredible super berry!

This nourishing superfood elixer can be consumed warm or cool however, I enjoy it best when it’s a bit warm. The Goji, Chia, and Maca superfoods in this tonic are prepared for highest bioavailability of nutrients and work synergistically with one another, giving the drink a sweet buttery taste, and a lovely golden hue.

Goji Milk Tea Recipe

Prep time: 10 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Makes 6 servings

You will need:

• ½ cup dried Goji Berries
• 36 oz Milk or a Non-Dairy Alternative such as Coconut, Almond, or Hemp milk (I used 2 cans of full fat Coconut milk plus ½ can water to thin it out)
• 1 tbsp Gelatinized Maca powder
• 4 tbsp ground Chia seed gel (recipe here)
• 5 drops Vanilla Crème Stevia

Directions

Step 1: Make Chia Seed Gel – Recipe can be found here

Step 2: Put dried Goji Berries into a food processor with a splash of water to soften the berries, or you can mash them up by hand like I did using a mortar and pestle.

Step 3: Add the Goji mash to your choice of milk and bring to boil over medium heat.

Step 4: Once boiling, reduce heat to a low simmer and stir until the smell fills the room and the color is a bright gold.

Step 5: Take off heat and allow Goji Milk to cool a bit before blending

Step 6: Blend Goji Milk, Chia Gel, Maca, and a few drops of liquid stevia, in a high speed blender until smooth

Step 7: Optional – Strain tonic for a smooth consistency

Step 8: Pour and enjoy!