Goji berry tea is a simple infusion made by steeping dried goji berries in hot water. The drink has a gentle, naturally sweet flavor, and the softened berries can be eaten after the tea is finished.
You do not need special equipment or a complicated recipe. A cup, hot water, and dried goji berries are enough to begin.
This guide explains how to make goji berry tea, adjust its flavor, serve it cold, and make use of the fruit afterward.
How to Make Goji Berry Tea
What You Need
- 1 to 2 tablespoons dried goji berries
- 8 to 12 fluid ounces hot water
- A mug, teapot, or heat-safe glass
- A spoon or small strainer, if preferred
Basic Method
- Check the dried goji berries and remove any stems or damaged fruit.
- Rinse the berries briefly under clean water.
- Place them in a mug or teapot.
- Pour hot water over the berries.
- Let them steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Stir, taste, and steep a little longer if you want a stronger flavor.
The berries will soften and become plumper as they absorb water. You can leave them in the cup while drinking or remove them with a spoon or strainer.
What Does Goji Berry Tea Taste Like?
Goji berry tea is light and gently sweet. It is not as intense as fruit juice, and it does not need added sugar to reveal the fruit’s natural flavor.
A shorter steep produces a delicate drink. Using more berries or allowing them to steep longer gives the tea a fuller flavor. The type and condition of the dried fruit will also affect the result.
If you are new to goji, begin with a smaller amount and adjust the next cup to your preference. Our guide to fresh and dried goji berries explains why dried fruit tastes and feels different from fresh goji.
Simple Flavor Variations
Goji works well on its own, but a few familiar ingredients can change the character of the drink.
Goji and Ginger
Add one or two thin slices of fresh ginger before pouring in the hot water. Start with a small amount, as ginger can quickly become the strongest flavor in the cup.
Goji and Lemon
Add a thin lemon slice after steeping. This keeps the preparation simple while bringing a fresh citrus aroma to the drink.
Goji with Green or Black Tea
Add dried goji berries when brewing your usual tea. Follow the temperature and steeping directions for the tea leaves, since green and black teas may require different preparation.
Goji and Mint
Add a few clean mint leaves for a fresh finish. Mint is especially useful when the drink will be served cold.
Can You Make Iced Goji Berry Tea?
Yes. Prepare a slightly stronger hot infusion, allow it to cool, and then refrigerate it in a clean covered container. Serve it over ice and add lemon or mint if desired.
Do not leave prepared tea sitting at room temperature for an extended period. Make only what you expect to use, keep leftovers refrigerated, and use clean utensils and containers.
Can You Eat the Goji Berries Afterward?
Yes. The berries become soft after steeping and can be eaten directly from the cup.
You can also spoon them over warm oats, mix them into a fruit bowl, or add them to another snack. Reusing the softened fruit reduces waste and adds a different texture to familiar foods.
For more serving ideas, explore our guide to easy goji berry snacks.
Common Tea-Making Mistakes
- Using too many berries before learning how strong you like the flavor.
- Skipping a quick rinse before steeping.
- Adding several strong flavors at once.
- Ignoring the brewing directions when combining goji with tea leaves.
- Discarding the softened berries without trying them.
A Simple Way to Enjoy Goji
Goji berry tea is flexible: start with dried berries and hot water, then adjust the amount, steeping time, and added flavors until the cup suits you.
At The Goji Reserve, our goji comes from Zhongning, Ningxia. Learn more about the fruit on our Why Goji page or explore why Zhongning goji berries are so special.