Korean Goji Berry Tea (Gugija-cha): Benefits, Recipe, and My Honest Story

 

A glass teapot of warm Korean goji berry tea with dried red goji berries on a wooden table


🍡 Why I Made Goji Tea in a 5-Liter Pot

When I lived in Korea, my eyes were not good. My eldest son's eyes were not good either.

I heard goji berry tea is good for the eyes. So I decided to try it.

I did not make a small cup. I made a big 5-liter pot. I served it cold in summer.

And the taste? Honestly, it was sour. I did not like it. My son did not like it either.

I do not remember my mother or grandmother making this tea. This was my own try. I made it because people said it was good for the body.

Now I live in Adelaide. I want to share what I know about this tea and how I would make it better today.

🌿 What Is Gugija-cha?

Gugija-cha (ꡬ기자차) is a traditional Korean tea. It is made from dried goji berries. In Korean, goji berries are called gugija (ꡬ기자).

The berries are small and red. You can find them in Korean cooking too. People add them to soups, herbal chicken dishes, and traditional drinks.

In Korea, they are known as a traditional herbal ingredient. Many people drink the tea when they want something warm and simple for the body.

πŸ‘️ What Is Goji Tea Known For?

Here is what goji berries are traditionally known for.

Eye health. This is the most famous reason. Goji berries contain carotenoids such as zeaxanthin and beta-carotene. These are the reason people say goji is "good for the eyes."

Energy. In traditional Korean and East Asian herbal thinking, goji is used when the body feels tired.

Antioxidants. Goji berries contain plant compounds like polyphenols. Many people enjoy them as an antioxidant food.

Blood sugar and blood pressure. Some studies look at this. But the results are not strong enough to say goji tea treats anything.

Please remember one thing. Goji tea is a drink, not a medicine. It is known to be good for the eyes. But I cannot tell you it will fix eye problems. If you have eye trouble, please see an eye doctor first.

πŸ«– How to Make Korean Goji Berry Tea

This recipe is simple. It uses only a few things.

Ingredients (about 4 cups)

  • 2 tablespoons dried goji berries (about 15 g)
  • 1 liter of water
  • 3 to 4 dried jujubes (optional)
  • Honey, to taste (optional)

Steps

  1. Rinse the goji berries gently in cold water.
  2. Put the water and goji berries in a pot. Add the jujubes if you like.
  3. Bring to a boil. Then turn the heat to low.
  4. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
  5. Strain the tea. Add honey if you want.
  6. Serve warm. Or let it cool and chill it in the fridge.

The tea will be light orange-red. It should smell mild and a little sweet.

A pitcher of iced Korean goji berry tea with dried goji berries and jujubes beside it

πŸ˜– Why Was My Tea Sour? (And What I Would Try Now)

My goji tea tasted sour. This part I remember well.

I cannot say for sure why. But here are some possible reasons.

  • Boiling too long. A very long boil may make the taste stronger and sharper.
  • Too many berries. A big pot needs the right balance.
  • The quality of the berries. Some dried goji berries are sweeter than others.

Here is what I would try today. These are my suggestions, not old memories.

  • Simmer on low heat for only 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Add 3 or 4 dried jujubes. They add natural sweetness.
  • Add a small spoon of honey.
  • Try a smaller batch first, not a big 5-liter pot.

If your tea is still too sour, do not worry. You can mix it with a little barley tea (boricha) for a softer, toasty taste.

⚠️ Who Should Be Careful?

Goji berries are a food. But they are not right for everyone. Please talk to your doctor first if:

  • You take blood thinners such as warfarin. Goji may affect how the medicine works.
  • You take blood pressure or diabetes medicine.
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • You have allergies to plants or fruits.

Start with a small cup. See how your body feels.

Medical disclaimer: This post is for general information only. It is not medical advice. Goji tea is not a treatment for any eye condition or disease. If you have eye problems, please see an eye doctor.

πŸ›’ Where to Buy Dried Goji Berries

Dried goji berries are easy to find. In Adelaide, you can buy them at regular supermarkets. I believe I bought mine at Aldi.

You can also look at Korean grocers near Chinatown, such as Happy Mart and Family Mart. Look for Korean-grown gugija if you want the traditional type. It is often sold in a small pack.

Choose berries that are deep red, soft, and not too dry or hard. Store them in a sealed container, away from sunlight.

πŸ’¬ Final Thoughts

Goji tea was not my favorite. Neither my son nor I loved the taste. But I still remember making it. I made it because I wanted our eyes to be healthy. That is a true part of my story.

Now I think the tea can be better. With less boiling, a little sweetness, and a smaller pot, it may taste much softer.

If you want to explore more Korean teas, try these:

Want more videos like this? Follow my channel! πŸ‘‰ https://www.youtube.com/@JeongmisSipandSpoon

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