Dried Goji Berries | No Sugar Added

Sold in 2 lb. and 4 lb. Options in Re-Sealable bags.

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Ingredients: Goji Berries (aka., wolfberries).

Ingredient Country of Origin: Product of United States, Canada, India, Turkey, or China.

Allergen Declaration Statement: Free from; Gluten, Wheat, Legume Family {Peanuts, Soy beans, lentils, chickpeas, and lupin, beans (kidney, black, pinto, navy, string, fava), and peas (green, split, black-eyed), plus others like mung beans, adzuki, and tamarind}, Tree Nuts {almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, brazil nuts, pine nuts, & coconut}, Shellfish aquatic invertebrates (crab, lobster, shrimp, prawns, crayfish), Crustaceans mollusks (clams, mussels, oysters, scallops, squid, octopus, snails), Fish {vertebrates having a backbone} , Sesame, Milk/Dairy, Eggs, Mustard, Sulfur Dioxide, Potassium Sorbate.

Packaging Procedure: Hand Packaged on dedicated Gerbs equipment Johnston, RI.

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Introducing Gerbs Dried Goji Berries (Wolfberries)

Dried goji berries (wolfberries) are small, red, nutrient-dense fruits from Asia, packed with antioxidants (zeaxanthin), vitamins (A, C), minerals, fiber, and all essential amino acids, offering a sweet-tart taste and chewy texture, traditionally used in Chinese medicine for immune support, vision, and energy, and are versatile additions to snacks, smoothies, oatmeal, and baked goods, though they may interact with some medications.

Goji berries thrive in sunny, well-drained spots with light, loamy soil (pH 6.5-8.0), preferring warm, dry climates (Zones 5-9) but tolerating cold well; they need full sun, minimal water once established, and don’t need a second plant for pollination, producing fruit on new wood that benefits from late winter pruning.

Nutritional Powerhouse

• Antioxidants: Rich in carotenoids (like zeaxanthin for eye health) and phenolic compounds, protecting cells from damage.
• Vitamins & Minerals: Excellent source of Vitamin A, C, iron, zinc, potassium, and selenium.
• Protein & Fiber: Contain 18 amino acids (including all essentials) and significant dietary fiber.

Flavor & Texture

• Taste: A unique sweet-and-sour flavor, often compared to a mix of cranberry and cherry.
• Texture: Chewy when dried, similar to raisins.

Dried goji berries offer a balanced, sweet-tart flavor, often compared to a mix of cranberries, cherries, and tomatoes, with chewy texture and earthy undertones, sometimes with a slight herbal or raisin-like quality, making them great for snacks, cereals, or teas.

Flavor Notes

• Sweet & Tart: A balance of sweet and sour, with a slight tanginess.
• Fruity Comparisons: Often described as a blend of dried cranberries, cherries, and even sun-dried tomatoes.
• Earthy/Herbal: Subtle earthy notes or a slightly herbal finish.
• Raisin-like: Intensified sweetness and chewiness, similar to raisins but with more tang.

Texture & Appearance

• Texture: Chewy, slightly soft, and shriveled, resembling large raisins.
• Appearance: Small, bright red to orange berries, often dried in the sun.

How They’re Used

• Snacks: Eaten alone, in trail mixes, or with nuts.
• Breakfast: Added to oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies, or cereal.
• Savory Dishes: Sprinkled on salads or incorporated into rice dishes.
• Drinks: Brewed into teas or blended into juices and smoothies for color and flavor.

HOW ARE  GOJI BERRIES DRIED

Dried goji berries are made by harvesting ripe berries and preserving them through methods like sun-drying or mechanical dehydration, often involving initial high heat to kill pathogens and then slow drying for texture, resulting in a raisin-like product that’s shriveled but still slightly moist and chewy. The process focuses on removing water while maintaining flavor, using methods from traditional sun-drying on racks to modern hot-air or vacuum drying, ensuring they last longer than fresh berries.

Common Drying Methods

• Sun Drying (Traditional):
  • Fresh berries are spread in a thin layer on trays (often bamboo/wood) in the sun for several days.
  • They’re turned regularly to dry evenly, aiming for a hard skin but soft pulp.
• Hot Air Drying (Mechanical):
  • Berries are placed in dehydrators or machines.
  • Often involves an initial high heat (e.g., 40-45°C) for a few hours to sterilize, followed by lower temperatures (around 60°C) for up to 20 hours.
• Oven Drying (Home Method):
  • Spread berries on a foil-lined tray.
  • Place in an oven at a low temperature (around 175°F or 140°F) with the door slightly ajar for a few hours, turning them every 30 mins.
• Dehydrator:
  • Use a low setting, following manufacturer instructions. Some suggest cracking the skin first for faster drying.

Key Steps & Tips

1. Harvest: Pick ripe, red berries.
2. Wash & Prep: Rinse berries and dry them thoroughly. For faster drying, some methods suggest a quick boil (30 seconds) then ice bath to break the skin.
3. Initial Drying (Optional but Recommended): A short blast of high heat (165°F/74°C) in a dehydrator or sunny spot can kill pathogens.
4. Slow Drying: Move to a low-heat or open-air method for days or weeks until they reach the desired texture (moist but not wet, chewy).
5. Storage: Once dry, store in airtight containers in a cool, dark place to prevent moisture and clumping.

KEY HEALTH BENEFITS

Dried goji berries are nutritional powerhouses, packed with antioxidants (like zeaxanthin & beta-carotene), vitamins (A, C), minerals (iron, selenium), fiber, protein, and unique polysaccharides, offering benefits like immune support, vision protection (macular health), better blood sugar control, and gut health, acting as a low-GI, nutrient-dense “functional food” to fight cell damage and promote overall wellness.

Nutritional Profile (per ~28g serving)

• Vitamins: High in Vitamin A (as carotenoids for vision/skin) & Vitamin C (immune boost).
• Minerals: Good source of Iron (oxygen transport) & Selenium, plus Zinc.
• Fiber: Aids digestion, promotes fullness, supports gut health.
• Protein: Contains 4g protein and 18 amino acids.
• Phytochemicals: Rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein, and polysaccharides.

Health Properties & Benefits

• Antioxidant Power: High levels of antioxidants neutralize free radicals, reducing cell damage, inflammation, and chronic disease risk.
• Eye Health: Zeaxanthin protects the lens and retina, potentially preventing age-related macular degeneration.
• Immune Support: Vitamins A & C, plus polysaccharides, strengthen the immune system.
• Blood Sugar & Weight: Low glycemic index (GI) and high fiber help control blood sugar and appetite, promoting fullness.
• Gut Health: Fiber adds bulk to stool, promoting regularity.
• Energy: Iron and B vitamins (riboflavin) support energy production.
• Skin & Liver: Beta-carotene benefits skin, while berries may help liver function and detoxification.

HOW TO COOK & INCORPORATE DRIED GOJI INTO YOUR DIET

You can enjoy dried goji berries by snacking on them, adding to cereals/yogurt/smoothies, baking into muffins, or steeping for tea, but also get creative in cooking by rehydrating and adding to savory soups, stews (like Chinese dishes), and even sprinkling on salads for a sweet-tart burst, much like raisins in sweet or savory recipes, enhancing both nutrition and flavor.

Easy Diet Additions (No Cooking Needed)

• Snack: Eat them straight from the bag, or mix with nuts and seeds for trail mix.
• Toppings: Sprinkle on oatmeal, yogurt, granola, or smoothie bowls.
• Salads: Add a tangy, chewy element to green salads.
• Smoothies: Blend into any smoothie for a nutritional boost.

Cooking & Baking Ideas

• Baking: Substitute for raisins in muffins, scones, cookies, or energy bars.
• Tea/Infusions: Soak in hot water for 5-10 mins (or simmer briefly) and drink the liquid, eating the plumped berries too.
• Soups & Stews: Add to broths (especially chicken or vegetable) during the last few minutes of cooking for traditional Chinese flavor, letting them plump up.
• Rehydrate for Texture: Soak in warm water for 10-20 mins to soften and sweeten them, making them more like fresh fruit for recipes or just easier to digest.

Tips & Tricks

• Soaking is Key: For softer texture in both sweet and savory dishes, soak first.
• Flavor Profile: They offer a mild, slightly sweet, tangy taste, almost like a sweet cherry tomato when rehydrated.

Order now and Taste the Goodness of Gerbs!

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Storage Recommendations

For the best flavor and freshness, we recommend storing your Gerbs in an airtight container in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet, away from sunlight and heat sources like the oven.

Each time the container is opened, oxygen sneaks in and can speed up rancidity, so try to keep only about one pound of product accessible at a time.

While Gerbs can be frozen, we don’t recommend it. Freezing and thawing can change the natural cell structure, which may affect texture and taste. Keep them cool, dry, and sealed tight for the best experience!