Sun Dried Goji Berries – Organic

Sun-Dried Goji Berries are small, bright red berries traditionally grown in China’s Himalayan region and carefully dried to preserve their naturally sweet and slightly tangy flavor. Chewy in texture, they are delicious enjoyed on their own as a snack or mixed into trail mixes, granola, and cereals.

Versatile and shelf-stable, goji berries can also be added to teas, smoothies, baked goods, or savory dishes like rice and salads for a fruity twist. With their vibrant color and unique taste, they’re a flavorful way to enhance both sweet and savory recipes.

Organic Sun Dried Goji Berries

Z Natural Foods takes pride in bringing our customers a wide range of foods from around the globe in their most versatile form, and our Organic Sun Dried Goji Berries are no exception.

Our Organic Sun Dried Goji Berries are created by carefully drying them for just the right amount of time, allowing for the perfect chew and texture and preserving goji’s naturally potent compounds and deliciously natural sweet flavor. 

Creating an ideal sundried food produces a shelf-stable end product with exceptional versatility. Indeed, a sundried berry does not present the same versatility as a powdered food. However, goji berries present their own potential for limitless product development applications, are a convenient way to boost nourishment levels, and are a significant player in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Great tasting, nourishing, highly functional foods

Our mission is to provide you with great-tasting, highly functional foods with limitless application in their most versatile form to support a variety of lifestyles. So, we proudly introduce our diverse functional food line, Z Natural Foods Organic Sun Dried Goji Berries. 

Modern research confirms the importance of adding a variety of foods with bright, vibrant colors that contain a wide range of potent polyphenolic compounds to support the repair process from the damage caused by stress, helping to create a more balanced internal environment.

Therefore, it should come as no surprise that berries are a nutritional powerhouse that contains a wide array of unique compounds and are known for their deep, rich, and vibrant colors that profoundly affect human health.

However, goji berries take this concept to a new level in Eastern and Western Medical terms, offering unique benefits that set them apart from other berries. 

Goji Berries: A Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective & Powerful Tonic Food

TCM and tonic herbalism are complex systems that consider the individual rather than the masses, so there are often no simple answers. TCM principles dictate that many factors contribute to healthy and fulfilling lives.

Some of those factors include lifestyle, your constitution, the level to which you take proactive measures, your ability to avoid and adapt to external stressors, and a little bit of luck.

In TCM, one’s constitution is measured in life force, aka Jing. If your Jing is naturally substantial (meaning you are more vibrant, resilient, and robust), it means that you have won the genetic lottery and have a better shot at living a long and vibrant life, or so we thought.

In simple terms, we have learned from science, tradition, and a little common sense that those with a strong constitution due to good genetics are equally vulnerable to dying young, with the primary culprit being an unbalanced lifestyle.

This one factor alone can strongly deplete one’s Jing whether or not they have strong genetics. Therefore, the need for tonic herbs has excellent relevance. Goji berries are considered one of this system’s most significant tonic herbal foods. 

Goji is traditionally known in TCM to tonify all three treasures (Jing, Shen, Qi), Yin, and Yin blood, brightens the eyes, enters the liver, lung, and kidney meridians, and has a sweet flavor and a neutral, balancing temperature.

In simple terms, four primary fundamental aspects define a tonic herb:

1. Tonic herbs create and support a state of physical, mental, and emotional well-being through the appropriate balance of Yin and Yang energy, thereby achieving vibrant health.
2. Tonic herbs can be used for an unlimited period with no adverse effects
3. No matter how long an individual uses tonic herbs, they never build up a tolerance.
4. True tonics come from their authentic source and spiritual homeland. This principle, known in Daoist herbalism as Di Tao, makes a vital difference in potency and efficacy.

All tonic herbs nourish at least one of what TCM calls the Three Treasures. The three treasures are interconnected and contribute to overall health and well-being.

• Jing is essence primarily stored in the kidneys. Jing is one’s constitution, regulates growth and development, and works with Qi to protect the body from harmful external conditions. Poor constitution, blood loss, and excessive sexual activity can cause jing essence deficiencies.
• Qi is a vital force stored in the kidneys. Both physical and emotional energy manifest as Qi. One is inherited from our parents, and the second is derived from essential substances like air, food, and water. Deficiencies are caused by poor nutrition and digestion, chronic stress, and constrained breathing.
• Shen is the emotional and spirit layer of our being that reflects the state of our nervous system. Shen lives in the heart and is said to “preside over the activities that take place in the spiritual and mental planes.” Because Shen lives in the heart, people with disturbed Shen may experience anxiety, stress, difficulty breathing, and insomnia. In such cases, the primary weakness is from the spleen, which cannot generate enough blood to nourish the heart and anchor the Shen.

Tonic herbs are not used to treat or prevent specific issues. They promote and support general well-being by enhancing energy and regulating function. The priority is not about healing but gently promoting one’s health. Tonic herbs provide adaptive Qi, allowing us to deal with daily stressors more efficiently. Ultimately, this will enable us to grow as human beings. 

The following conclusion was made in a review discussing Goji berries as a potential natural medicine and their mechanisms of action. Not only did goji berry’s high antioxidant content show great potential for preventing DNA, lipid, and protein damage, but it was also stated that there was better protection through the synergistic effects of the complex mixture of phytochemicals versus a single phytochemical.

It is important to note that Western herbalism and Eastern tonic herbalism speak a lot about a category of herbs known as adaptogens. While tonics and adaptogens are defined based on different criteria and are ultimately separate entities, some overlap exists.

For example, Qi tonics fulfill the requirements for what Western herbalism defines as an adaptogen. So, in simple terms, while Qi tonics meet the requirements as an adaptogen, western adaptogens do not fulfill the criteria for being a tonic. The primary reason is that we often build a tolerance for Western adaptogens.

Goji Berries: A Western Perspective

Carbohydrates, fiber, protein and fat content

The macronutrient profile of goji berries includes 46% carbohydrates, 16% dietary fiber, 13% protein, and 1.5% fat. One of the primary compounds researched in Goji berries is a polysaccharide called Lycium Barbarum Polyscaaharides (LPBs). 

Polysaccharides in Goji

Polysaccharides comprise 5–8% of dried fruits and are found in the water-soluble form. These six monosaccharides (i.e., arabinose, galactose, glucose, rhamnose, mannose, xylose, and galacturonic acid) are found in goji berries.

In simple terms, Polysaccharides are large carbohydrate molecules containing many small sugar molecules (monosaccharides) bonded by a glycosidic linkage (a type of bond that joins a carbohydrate molecule to another group). They are the most abundant carbohydrate found in food. Polysaccharides form when monosaccharides and disaccharides link together (resulting from a dehydration process). The sugars participating in this bond are called residues.

Carotenoids in Goji

Carotenoids are the second most significant biologically active compound in goji berries. They are a class of red, orange, or yellow fat-soluble pigments produced by plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria. There are more than 600 types of carotenoids (some of the most common include alpha and beta carotene, lycopene, lutein, and beta-cryptoxanthin), all with unique attributes that are researched for their potential ability to take on antioxidant-like qualities.

The total carotenoid content of different goji berries ranged from 0.03 to 0.5% of dried fruits. Lipid-soluble carotenoids occur at extremely high levels in goji berries. One of the most common carotenoids found in goji berries is zeaxanthin. In ripening goji berries, the content of zeaxanthin can reach around 77.5% of total carotenoids. Zeaxanthin palmitate (phasalien) contains 31–56% of the total carotenoids.

What is the difference between goji berries and goji berry juice powder?

The primary difference between goji berries and goji berry juice is that the juice contains a higher concentration of the vast array of polyphenolic compounds naturally found in Goji.

Using food in powder form has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is essential to understand the intrinsic facts that create those differences. It is important to note that both versions of Goji have advantages in terms of versatility. Whole goji berries can be eaten as a tonic snack or thrown into a tea for gentle extraction. While not always convenient, Goji juice powder will have a higher concentration of the powerful phyto-compounds found in this tonic berry.

Juice powders are one of many versions of extract powders. The umbrella term “extract powder” describes various highly concentrated versions of foods and herbs in either powder or liquid form. These different versions on the market create unique variables for how these highly concentrated foods are potentially used for their nourishing qualities. Some of these variables are defined in concentration levels.

Full spectrum extracts concentrate a food or herb as a whole (1:1, 4:1, 10:1, 25:1, and 100:1), so you are getting all constituents found in that food in a highly concentrated, well-balanced manner.

A juice powder comes closest to a full-spectrum concentration. Although the fiber has been removed in a juice powder (which may take away some nourishing properties), all other nutrients and compounds are perfectly balanced and more concentrated. 

Summary of Important Information

Z Natural Foods hand-picks specific ingredients for our customers based on three concepts to provide the best quality product possible to support optimal well-being.

• Versatility
• History of safe and effective usage
• Strong evidence of positive research outcomes in humans

Goji Berries: A Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective 

• Tonic herbs are not used to treat or prevent specific issues.
• They promote and support general well-being by enhancing energy and regulating function.
• The priority is not about healing but gently promoting one’s health.
• Tonic herbs provide adaptive Qi, allowing us to deal with daily stressors more efficiently. Ultimately, this will enable us to grow as human beings.
• Goji berries are considered one of this system’s most significant tonic herbal foods.
• Goji is traditionally known in TCM to tonify all three treasures(Jing, Shen, Qi), Yin, and Yin blood, brightens the eyes, enters the liver, lung, and kidney meridians, and has a sweet flavor and a neutral, balancing temperature.
• Tonics and adaptogens are defined based on different criteria and are ultimately separate entities; some overlap exists. For example, Qi tonics fulfill the requirements for what Western herbalism defines as an adaptogen.
• However, western adaptogens do not fulfill the criteria for being a tonic. The primary reason is that we often build a tolerance for Western adaptogens.

Goji Berries: A Western Perspective

• The macronutrient profile of goji berries includes 46% carbohydrates, 16% dietary fiber, 13% protein, and 1.5% fat.
• One of the primary compounds researched in Goji berries is a polysaccharide called Lycium Barbarum Polyscaaharides (LPBs). Polysaccharides comprise 5–8% of dried fruits and are found in the water-soluble form.
• These six monosaccharides (i.e., arabinose, galactose, glucose, rhamnose, mannose, xylose, and galacturonic acid) are found in goji berries.
• Carotenoids are the second most significant biologically active compound in goji berries.
• The total carotenoid content of different goji berries ranged from 0.03 to 0.5% of dried fruits. Lipid-soluble carotenoids occur at extremely high levels in goji berries.
• One of the most common carotenoids found in goji berries is zeaxanthin. In ripening goji berries, the content of zeaxanthin can reach around 77.5% of total carotenoids.

Some research suggests that  Goji Berries may contain the following constituents:

• Minerals: Phosphorus, Zinc, Copper, Selenium
• Vitamins: Vitamin C, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B-6, Vitamin A, Beta carotene, Vitamin E, Zeaxanthin & Lutine
• Amino Acids: Tryptophan, Threonine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Cystine, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, Valine, Arginine, Histidine, Alanine, Aspartic Acid, Glutamic Acid, Proline, Serine
• Essential Fatty Acids: Linoleic Acid, Alpha-Linolenic Acid
• Carotenoids: Beta Carotene, Zeaxanthin, Lutein, Lycopene, Cryptoxanthin, Xanthophyll
• Polysaccharides
• Monosaccharides
• Phytosterols: Beta-Sitosterol
• Phenols: Resveratrol
• Other Phytochemicals: Cyperone, Solavetivone, Physalin

Suggested Uses: Eat one small handful (1 oz / 3 tbsp) per day. Add to smoothies, salads, desserts, yogurt, or cereal. Use in homemade trail mixes or energy bars.

Infusion: Use the ratio of 1 tablespoon of product for every 8 ounces of distilled water. Bring water to a boil and then take off the stove. Put tea in a pot or a mug, fill it with water, and cover it for 15 minutes. (This method is specific for whole-leaf herbs and teas).

Mixing suggestions: To increase flavor and nutritional profile, combined with our raw walnuts and sun-dried mulberries.

Miscellaneous Facts about our Organic Goji Berries

Certifications: Certified USDA Organic.

Ingredients: Organic Raw Goji Berries.

Parts Used: The whole berry.

Botanical Name: Lycium barbarum.

Other Names: Wolfberry, Lycii Berry, pinyin, mede berry, Lycium Chinese, barbary matrimony vine, bocksdorn, Duke of Argyll’s tea tree, Barbarum, Murali, red medlar, Boxberry, Boxthorn, Gou qi-zi, matrimony vine, Tibetan goji, Chinese wolfberry, Himalayan goji, Chinese Matrimony-vine.

Origin: Grown and dried in Tibet, China. It was packaged with care in Florida, USA.