One of the more common types of goji berries in our lives is the red goji berry, so we are more familiar with it. However, with the improvement of living standards, precious medicinal herbs such as black goji berries have also become popular. The most common way to consume black goji berries is by soaking them in water. Many people have a question: do black goji berries need to be washed before soaking?
Should black goji berries be washed before soaking?
You can wash them or not.
Most black goji berries on the market are packaged and sold, and they have undergone processing and treatment. They have detailed information about the manufacturer and expiration date. Therefore, it is not necessary to wash black goji berries before soaking them. However, during the drying process, they may be contaminated with bacteria, dust, etc. If you are someone who values cleanliness or is a perfectionist, it is better to wash them before soaking.
Can wild black goji berries be washed before soaking?
Yes, they can be washed.
Wild black goji berries are scarce in quantity and very expensive. They can be washed slightly, just like regular black goji berries. However, be careful not to soak or scrub them vigorously, as this can cause the loss of nutrients and trace elements. It is recommended to rinse black goji berries with water when washing them.
How much black goji berries should be put in water at once?
5-10g is recommended.
Black goji berries are rich in anthocyanins, which are water-soluble pigments that are particularly sensitive to acidity and alkalinity. Therefore, when black goji berries are soaked in acidic water, they turn purple, while in alkaline water, they turn blue. The commonly used amount of black goji berries for soaking is about 5-10g, and excessive consumption should be avoided to prevent getting too "hot" in Chinese medical terms.
Can black goji berries be steeped multiple times?
Yes, they can.
Black goji berries contain proteins, amino acids, vitamins, as well as calcium, iron, phosphorus, and other trace elements. They have the effects of anti-aging, immune enhancement, beauty and wrinkle prevention, and improvement of sleep. The effective ingredients cannot be completely dissolved in one steeping, so black goji berries can be steeped multiple times. Generally, black goji berries can be steeped 2-3 times. Once the water no longer changes color, they can be consumed.
Precautions for steeping black goji berries
1. Do not steep with boiling water
In addition to changing color when soaked, black goji berries have another special characteristic: they are not suitable for steeping with boiling water. The anthocyanins in black goji berries can be destroyed by high temperatures. It is recommended to steep them with cold water or warm water.
2. Do not steep with green tea
Black goji berries contain various active ingredients. Steeping them alone not only has good ornamental value but also helps to maximize the medicinal effects. Black goji berries are not suitable for steeping with green tea because green tea contains a large amount of tannic acid, which has astringent properties and can react with the trace elements in black goji berries, forming substances that are difficult to digest and absorb, thereby affecting the absorption of medicinal effects.
