Goji -Berry Smoothie

Goji berries are a great source of antioxidants, they have anti-cancer properties, are a good source of protein, and contain the highest amount of caretenoids known. Goji berries also have lots of vitamin C, B vitamins, Vitamin E (which is rarely found in fruit), and selenium.

I was thrilled when I saw these tiny superfood berries in the bulk section at my natural foods store co-op. They are quite expensive, about $16 a pound! When I want to treat myself, I get a little bag of them (some people buy donuts or candy as a treat--I buy expensive heath food!) If you can't find them in a store near you, they can be easily ordered online. Just do a Google search and you'll find at least 5-6 websites that sell them.

If you've never tasted a goji berry, they taste quite earthy, slightly bitter and are not very sweet at all. To make them more palatable, I like blending goji berries in a smoothie. Soaking them helps soften them so they blend into the smoothie better.

Goji -Berry Smoothie
Ingredients:
* 2 tablespoons goji berries
* 1/4 cup water
* 1 tablespoon ground flax seed
* 6 fresh strawberries, sliced
* 1/2 ripe banana (add the whole thing if you like a real thick smoothie)
* 1 to 1 1/2 cups pomegranate, cranberry or cherry juice
Combine the goji berries and water in a small bowl and let soak 10-15 minutes, until they have plumped up, then blend all ingredients (including the soak water) until smooth. Enjoy!



Informational source: http://www.freemotion.com.au/goji_information.htm