Goji Berry Infusion: Pay Attention to Water Temperature

In recent years, with the increasing awareness of public health, Goji berries, as a food-medicine dual-purpose substance, have entered the public’s daily life. To help consumers of different age groups have a scientific understanding of Goji berries, the authoritative Food Science and Technology Association has provided the following consumption tips.

Diverse Product Variety: Goji berries belong to the nightshade family and are deciduous shrubs, with approximately 80 species worldwide. In China, Goji berries are mainly produced in Ningxia, Gansu, Qinghai, Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Hebei, and other regions. Goji berries come in various colors, including red, black, purple, white, and yellow. The commonly seen varieties are red and black Goji berries.

Rich in polysaccharides, alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, and other compounds, Goji berries also have derived products such as Goji leaf (bud) tea, Goji leaf (bud) dishes, and Goji flower honey. As the Goji berry processing industry develops, consumers can choose from Goji puree, Goji compound fruit pulp, juice, and concentrated juice.

Smart Selection and Storage: Consumers are advised to purchase small-packaged Goji berries from reputable sellers or platforms, preferably from the current year’s production. When selecting, pay attention to the following three aspects:

1. Color: Different grades and varieties of Goji berries may vary in size and shape, but their composition is similar. Red Goji berries are mostly dark red, while black Goji berries are black or dark purple. If purchasing in bulk, choose dried berries that are not clumped together.
2. Smell: Normal Goji berries have a fruity fragrance; avoid choosing berries with unusual or irritating odors.
3. Taste: Normal Goji berries have a sweet and moist taste with a slight bitterness. The use of edible alkali in the drying process may cause a slight bitter taste, but it does not affect the edible value. Additionally, Goji berries may have a slight aftertaste, mainly due to the active ingredients such as alkaloids, terpenes, and glycosides, which are beneficial to the human body.

Goji berries should be stored in a sealed container in a cool and dry place. During the summer, it is advisable to seal the Goji berries and refrigerate or freeze them to prevent discoloration and insect infestation.

Scientific Consumption Tips: Goji berries can be infused in water, chewed dry, or used in cooking. Before consumption or cooking, it is advisable to wash the berries appropriately.

When infusing Goji berries in water, the water temperature should be between 50 to 70 degrees Celsius. For black Goji berries, it is recommended to control the water temperature between 40 to 50 degrees Celsius to avoid damaging the anthocyanins. Black Goji berries can also be brewed together with Goji leaf (bud) tea and consumed by chewing.

Goji berries can be paired with red dates, longan, Chinese yam, eggs, etc., for cooking, soup-making, baking, etc. When cooking, it is recommended to add Goji berries to the pot first to facilitate the dissolution of relevant components. If a good chewing sensation is desired during consumption, add Goji berries to the food 10-15 minutes before it is ready.

It is important to consume Goji berries in moderation, as some consumers may experience excessive internal heat. In such cases, it is advisable to reduce the amount and increase water intake gradually.

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