Wolfberry

About

Wolfberries are a red-orange berry and a member of the nightshade family. Wolfberry, or Gogi berries, are usually sold dried and can be used in soups, stews, rice dishes and even brewed as tea.

Information

Other names: goji berry

Translations: クコ, السنفورينة الغربية, Bobule, Bobule, Вулфберри, Вулфберрі, 枸杞, Волфберри

Physical Description

Wolfberries are a bright orange-red, ellipsoid berry 1–2-cm deep.

Colors: orange-reddish

Tasting Notes

Flavors: sweet, tart

Mouthfeel: Chewy, Earthy

Food complements: Nuts, Coconut, Cacao

Wine complements: White wine

Beverage complements: Sangria

Substitutes: Dried cherries, Dried berries, Raisins

Selecting and Buying

Buying: Dried wolfberries also known as goji berries are available in most supermarkets and health food stores.

Preparation and Use

Cleaning: Dried berries don't require cleaning.

Conserving and Storing

Store in an airtight container or package in a cool dry place.

Social/Political

The Chinese revere wolfberry as a national treasure among the most nutrient dense of the nation’s medicinal herbs. This reputation has stimulated scientific research about its potential health benefits and systematic cultivation, commercialization and now increasing export to the West.

History: For at least 2000 years, wolfberry has grown wild in China and used in common recipes and traditional Chinese medicine. Wolfberry derives its name from "wolf-peach" -- the tomato, its larger botanical cousin (Solanum lycopersicum), where "lyco" is Greek for wolf and "persicum" is peach.