Goji berries are all the rage right now, and for good reason. Hollywood starlets are snapping them up for their celebrated anti-aging properties. Clif's 100% organic Lemon Vanilla Nectar bar features them for their nutrient density and essential amino acids, and alongside other anti-oxidant rich ingredients like acai, the vibrant goji are expected to break into an increasing number of packaged goods and beverages this coming year. We'll tell you a bit more about these super-charged berries, and then tip you off to some of our favorite ways to eat them.

The goji berry (or wolf berry) is indigenous to Tibet and Northern China.Be prepared for a bit of sticker shock when you go to purchase them, they are sold in most natural foods stores now, and they aren't cheap. You green-thumbed go-getters can take a shot at growing your own if you like - that is certainly a way to cut the cost.

You are likely to find goji berries in their dried form. Goji's are a deep, brick red color and are typically purchased dried. They are leaner than a dried cranberry or raisin, but similar in size - they are also typically a bit less moist. They are very tasty straight from the bag with a flavor that is sweet without being too sweet and tart without being puckery. Outside of the dried goji berries, keep your eyes peeled for goji juice.

Use the dried goji berries as your might other dried fruit - tossed in salads, tossed in warm or sauteed greens, baked into muffins and breakfast breads, chopped into pancakes, etc. Rehydrate them and stir them into yogurt or ice creams. Puree the rehydrated goji berries and play around with that as well. The goji juice can be used as you would any other fruit juice - in a sherbet or sorbet, in a morning smoothie, in popsicles, frozen into ice cubes, and in your favorite cocktails.

Goji Granola

4 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup unsalted sunflower seeds
1 cup macadamia nuts, big pieces
1 1/2 cups raw unsweetened shredded coconut
1 cup goji berries, loosely chopped
1 cup unsulphered dried fruit of your choice (try dried pineapple and dried papaya)
3/4 cup honey or for vegans, a light maple syrup or agave nectar
1/4 cup unrefined full-flavored coconut oil

Preheat your oven to 300°F. Put the oats into a large bowl. Add the sunflower seeds, macadamia nuts, coconut, dried fruits (except the goji berries), and orange zest. Stir to combine.

Heat the honey and coconut oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Pour the warm honey mixture into the dry mixture and stir until everything is well coated.

Spread the mixture onto one or two rimmed baking sheets and bake for about 40 minutes, less if you are splitting the mixture between two pans. Stir every 10 minutes or so. You want to bake the muesli until it is a light, toasty, golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Toss the granola with the goji berries and store in large mason jars until you are ready to eat.

Makes about 10 cups of granola.

Comments (2) | January 2 - 10:59 AM

category: New Products, Recipes, Superfoods