You have probably heard that goji berries are incredible superfoods, but what exactly are they and what do they taste like? Well, you’re in the right place to find out.
Goji berries are known to contain a flavor that is both sweet and tart. These grape-tomato-like berries add tons of flavor to your smoothies or hearty breakfast bowls.
When it comes to taste, however, they are more similar to cranberry as opposed to any other berry.
Since they have such a bitter taste, very few people enjoy eating them fresh. As such, dried goji berries are a popular alternative.
With this in mind, this article will explore everything you need to know about goji berries in terms of texture and flavor. Plus, we’ll even explore the differences between fresh and dry goji berries.
Let’s get straight into it!
What Are Goji Berries?
When seeing a pack of goji berries, most people’s minds will automatically turn to raisins. However, unlike raisins, goji berries are comparatively larger in size. Plus, instead of a black color, they are strikingly red.
These berries originated and are native to many Asian countries, such as the Himalayas in Tibet. This culture in particular, has been a part of many rituals and customs for thousands of years – both spiritually and medicinally.
That said, these days, goji berries can still be found growing in Asian countries, including Tibet and China, but you can find them in certain parts of Europe, too.
For instance, goji berries were once imported to the United Kingdom where they are still being grown to date. Although, these berries haven’t made their way to the United States… yet.
What Do Goji Berries Taste Like?
Goji berries taste somewhat like a cross between grape tomatoes, sour cherries, and cranberries. They have a distinct flavor that is both nutritious and packed with minerals.
If you pluck and eat a fresh, ripe goji berry, the taste can taste quite unappealing. Initially, it will have a bland flavor with an intense bitter aftertaste – similar to pepper.
However, once dried, these berries are much sweeter, featuring a similar taste to cranberry with hints of herbal notes.
In terms of texture, many people compare goji berries to raisins. However, raisins are much darker and smaller. On the other hand, goji berries are plump, bright red-orange, and juicy.
One of the best ways to describe these berries is to compare them to something like sour cherries or cranberries which both have distinct tart flavors.
That said, you should keep in mind that goji berries are for the faint-hearted. If you prefer your fruits sweet, you may find goji berries overpoweringly bitter.
The only way to ensure these berries are palatable is to eat them dry – this allows the sugar to become more concentrated, thus, losing that bitter taste. Instead, you’re left with something that has hints reminiscent of vanilla or cinnamon.
Therefore, the overall taste of goji berries is dependent on the variety you’re eating. Below, we have outlined the differences between dried and fresh goji batteries in terms of flavor.
The Difference Between Dried And Fresh Goji Berries
At first, fresh goji berries tend to be quite bland, however, they have an intense aftertaste of bitterness and sourness. Initially, the tanginess of the berries is diluted thanks to their high water content.
If you have ever eaten fresh goji berries, you’ll notice the taste is more similar to that of a tomato than other berries. Therefore, don’t be fooled by the juicy and plump appearance of the berry, the inside can be overwhelmingly bitter!
One way of making these berries more palatable is by drying them. Here, they lose their bitter taste to provide something that tastes closer to a sour cherry or cranberry – a combination of tart and sweet, with herbal notes, too.
Since they contain such a high nutritional value and sweet flavor, you’ll find goji berries included in a range of desserts. Moreover, they can make for a delicious snack, too.
When it comes to the texture of these berries, they can be described as being somewhat chewy while soft at the same time.
If you want to transform your goji berry into something that is soft and plump, try soaking them in water for a while. Here, the sweet, cherry-tomato-like flavor will be enhanced. ‘
Recipes To Incorporate Goji Berries With
When you first come face-to-face with a goji berry, your initial reaction may be that it looks like a red raisin. Well, you’ll want to hold this thought for a minute.
That is because the best way to incorporate this berry into your recipes would be the same way you do so with raisins!
As such, we have outlined some of the best goji berry recipes to try out. However, keep in mind that these recipes only apply to dried berries, not fresh ones.
1. Add Them To Your Oatmeal
Oatmeal is one of the healthiest breakfasts you can eat, however, if you’re not a fan of eating it plain – who is?! – then you need to try adding goji berries into the mix.
Without losing out on any of those nutritional benefits, the addition of goji berries helps to add a touch of sweetness and texture that is otherwise missing with plain oatmeal.
You don’t have to stop with goji berries, either. Here, you can add whatever fruits you like, whether they are dried or fresh.
Some popular fruits include strawberries, apples, and raisins. Although, you can also go for dried mangoes, dried apricots, and, of course, dried goji berries, too.
2. Make a Goji Berry Smoothie
A great way to eat your goji berries is by throwing them into your smoothies. Plus, you can even use fresh berries as long as you use them in moderation and in combination with other full-tasting ingredients. For instance, ripe avocados, strawberries, bananas, and mangoes.
By combining fresh goji berries with these different ingredients, you’re essentially lightening the sour taste. Although, don’t include too much since they have the tendency to dominate a particular taste.
Moreover, here, you can opt for dried goji berries, too, if you’re looking to sweeten up your smoothie.
3. Create a Trail Mix
If you’re looking for something to snack on throughout the day that isn’t packed with tons of preservatives, sugar, and sodium, then a trail mix is a perfect choice for you.
Trail mixes are a great way to help manage your cravings, without breaking your diet. Here, you can snack on this trail mix and leave any guilt feelings behind since it is incredibly healthy.
Final Thoughts
Goji berries are small wonders packed with tons of nutritional value and a unique taste. When it comes to flavor, dried goji berries are much sweeter than fresh ones.
Sometimes, these fresh berries can be extremely overpowering on the senses, thus, one way of eating them is by incorporating them into recipes.
Hopefully, this guide has informed you on everything you need to know about goji berries in terms of taste.
Hi, I’m Aubrey, and I have been a chef for close to 8 years. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, as long as I can remember. I loved my play kitchen when I was a kid, and would offer my parents my own (albeit gross) cookie recipes to taste!
Here at ButterandSaltGatherings, I want to offer a wide range of ingredients, flavors, meals and recipes so that you can start living each day to the fullest, and enjoy only the best food.
