Wolfberries are almost never found in their fresh form
outside of their production regions, and are usually sold in
open boxes and small packages in dried form. The texture of
the fruit varies. Some are soft and tacky like a raisin,
while others may be very hard. Goji Berries with a vibrant
orange-red color may have been treated with a sulfite.
Medicinal Properties
Goji Berries have long played important roles in
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) where they are believed
to enhance immune system function, improve eyesight, protect
the liver, boost sperm production and improve circulation,
among other wellness benefits.
In TCM terms, goji berries are sweet in taste. They act
on the liver, lungs, and kidneys and enrich yin. They can be
eaten raw, consumed as juice or wine, brewed into an herbal
tea or prepared as a tincture.
The Goji Berry is also used in traditional Korean
medicine, traditional Japanese medicine and traditional
Tibetan medicine.
The Goji Berry contains zeaxanthin, an important dietary
carotenoid selectively absorbed into the retinal macula
lutea where it is thought to provide antioxidant and
protective light-filtering roles.
Several published studies, mostly from China, have
reported possible medicinal benefits of Lycium barbarum,
especially due to its antioxidant properties. These
wellness properties include potential benefits against
cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, vision-related
diseases (such as age-related macular degeneration and
glaucoma).
However, in western medicine, research is in the early
stages of being scientifically verified and confirmed in
clinical studies. Look for more research and peer reviewed
data soon.
Culinary Uses of the Goji
Berry
Dried wolfberries are often added to rice as well as used
in Chinese tonic soups, in combination with chicken or pork,
vegetables, and other herbs such as wild yam. The
berries are also boiled as an herbal tea, often along with
chrysanthemum flowers. Packaged teas are also available.
Various wines containing wolfberries are also produced,
including some that are a blend of grape wine and
wolfberries. At least one Chinese company produces wolfberry
beer, and New Belgium Brewery makes an ale with wolfberries
used as flavoring. An instant coffee product containing
wolfberry extract has been produced in China.
In the West, dried goji berries are eaten as a snack in
the manner of raisins or other dried fruit. Dried goji
berries are also used frequently in raw food diets.