Even though they’re newly trending in the food scene, goji berries have been around for a long, long time. And while there is a need for more research to determine exactly how beneficial these berries are, a handful of promising studies tout their nutritional goodness. Learn what a goji berry is, why you need it in your diet, and how to incorporate this fruit into everyday dishes. In the U.S., you’ll likely find the fruit available only dried or frozen. But in the rare case you find it fresh, prepare for a hefty price tag to go along with it. One study that looked at daily consumption of goji berries3 among elderly subjects found subjects had an increase in antioxidant levels after 90 days. Blatner’s go-to recipe is a two-step goji and chia jam. “Simply rehydrate the goji and blend with chia seeds,” she says. “It’s delicious on almond butter toast and yogurt.” She also suggests using them as you would a raisin. But truly, you can add them to any recipe that needs a little extra sweetness or a pop of color. If you find adding the dried berries to your meals is a challenge, opt for goji powder. You can add a few scoops of the powder to any dish (smoothies! oatmeal!) to reap the health benefits without stressing about how to prepare them. And if you just want to pop a supplement and go on with your day, that’s an option, too. If you’re concerned about the berries pairing with your medication, as always, consult with your doctor before adding them to your diet. But bottom line, don’t eat your weight in goji berries and you should be just fine.
