Black goji berry is known as the "soft gold" and is not only highly valued for its medicinal properties but also contains rich nutrients. There are various brands of black goji berry in the market with disparate prices. So, are there fake black goji berries?
Are there fake black goji berries?
Yes, there are fake black goji berries.
Black goji berry has a sweet taste and is neutral in nature. It has the functions of nourishing blood and calming the mind, tonifying the kidney and replenishing essence, and moistening the lungs. It is rich in amino acids, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and anthocyanins. It can remove free radicals, accelerate metabolism, promote blood circulation, and has the effects of anti-aging, enhancing immunity, and improving sleep. Wild black goji berries are natural green medicinal materials, but they are scarce in quantity and expensive. Therefore, there are many counterfeit black goji berries in the market.
How to distinguish real and fake black goji berries
Look at the shape
Black goji berries are oval-shaped and some resemble kidneys. They contain more than ten small seeds. Fake black goji berries are often replaced with white thorns, which are oblong and only contain one seed. Therefore, when purchasing black goji berries, observe the shape and the number of seeds first.
Soak in water to distinguish
Black goji berries contain anthocyanins and when soaked in water, they usually turn blue or purple. The color will change from light to dark as the anthocyanins are released, and then fade away. However, fake black goji berries do not change color when soaked in water.
Taste test
Black goji berries are natural wild medicinal materials with a relatively low sugar content. They have a faint and refreshing aroma and are not very sweet when tasted. On the other hand, white thorns have a higher sugar content and have a distinct sweet taste.
Are fake black goji berries harmful to the body?
No medicinal effects of black goji berries.
Fake black goji berries are often replaced with white thorns or blueberries. If the quality of the counterfeit black goji berries is not a problem, normal consumption will not cause harm to the body because white thorns and blueberries also have certain nutritional value, but they lack the medicinal effects of black goji berries.
Precautions for drinking soaked black goji berries
1. Not suitable for brewing with boiling water
Black goji berries contain a large amount of anthocyanins, and high temperature will affect their medicinal effects. Therefore, black goji berries should not be brewed with boiling water. It is best to use warm water to brew black goji berries.
2. Not suitable to be consumed with green tea
Black goji berries should not be brewed with green tea because green tea contains a considerable amount of tannic acid, which can react with the trace elements in black goji berries to form substances that are not conducive to digestion.
3. Not suitable for excessive consumption
Black goji berries belong to nourishing medicinal materials and have the function of warming the body. Excessive consumption may cause discomfort such as nosebleeds and swollen eyes due to excessive internal heat.
Who should not eat black goji berries
1. Those with weak spleen and stomach
People with weak spleen and stomach often have symptoms of diarrhea. Black goji berries have the function of nourishing the body, so they should not be consumed by those with weak spleen and stomach to avoid discomfort.
2. Those with weak spleen and diarrhea
Black goji berries are nourishing medicinal materials and have the function of warming the body. Consuming them may worsen the condition of those with weak spleen and diarrhea.
3. Those with cold and inflammation
Black goji berries are neutral in nature and sweet in taste. They have the function of nourishing and warming the body. Consuming them may worsen the condition of those with cold and inflammation and hinder the body's recovery.
