Can You Put Goji Berries in Hot Water?

January 2, 2026 •

4 min read

For centuries, goji berries have been a staple in traditional Chinese medicine and are widely consumed for their nutritional properties. Adding dried goji berries to hot water is not only safe but also a traditional and effective way to enjoy their benefits, transforming the berries into a plumper, more palatable form. This process creates a simple yet powerful herbal infusion packed with antioxidants and vitamins.

Quick Summary

Soaking dried goji berries in hot water is a common and safe method to make a flavorful, nutrient-dense tea. This process rehydrates the berries, enhancing their subtle, sweet taste and releasing beneficial compounds. Infusing goji berries is an easy way to boost antioxidant intake and support overall wellness.

Key Points

Traditional Consumption: Soaking goji berries in hot water is a traditional and common method for preparing them for consumption.
Rehydration and Softening: The hot water rehydrates the dried berries, making them plump, soft, and juicy for a better eating experience.
Nutrient Release: The process helps release antioxidants and beneficial compounds into the water, creating a nutrient-rich infusion.
Making Herbal Tea: This is the basis for making goji berry tea, which can be enjoyed plain or combined with other ingredients like ginger or red dates.
Potential Drug Interactions: Individuals on blood thinners like warfarin, or diabetes and blood pressure medication, should consult a doctor before consuming goji berries.
Avoid Excessive Heat: Using water that is hot but not boiling (around 175-185°F) is recommended to preserve sensitive nutrients.

Why Putting Goji Berries in Hot Water is Beneficial

Putting dried goji berries into hot water is an ancient and widely practiced method for creating a beneficial herbal drink. The hot water rehydrates the chewy, raisin-like berries, causing them to plump up and soften. This process makes them more pleasant to eat and also helps to draw out some of their nutrients, antioxidants, and sweet flavor into the water. The resulting liquid, often referred to as goji berry tea, is a gentle, warming, and naturally sweet infusion that is caffeine-free.

Nutrient Extraction

One of the main reasons for using hot water is the efficient extraction of key compounds. The heat helps release the berries' potent antioxidants, including carotenoids like zeaxanthin, which is beneficial for eye health. It also helps release polysaccharides, which contribute to the berries' immune-boosting properties. Unlike boiling, which can degrade some heat-sensitive nutrients like Vitamin C, steeping in hot (but not boiling) water preserves most of the berries' nutritional value.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective

In TCM, goji berry tea is a traditional remedy believed to nourish the liver and kidneys, improve eyesight, and generally act as a tonifying agent for energy and vitality. The gentle warming nature of the tea is considered beneficial for balancing the body's internal energy or 'chi'. It is a simple and common tonic for overall health, often combined with other herbs like ginger or red dates for added benefits.

How to Prepare Goji Berry Tea

Making a simple goji berry infusion is incredibly easy and requires minimal effort. Here’s a basic step-by-step guide:

Rinse the berries: Start with about one tablespoon of dried goji berries per cup of tea. It is a good practice to rinse the berries under cool water to remove any dust or debris.
Heat the water: Bring fresh water to a boil, then let it cool slightly for a few minutes. Using water that is just below boiling (around 175-185°F or 80-85°C) is ideal to prevent damaging heat-sensitive compounds.
Steep: Place the rinsed goji berries in a mug or teapot. Pour the hot water over them and let them steep for 5 to 15 minutes. The longer you steep, the more flavorful and potent the tea will be.
Enjoy: Sip the tea and then eat the plumped-up berries at the end. You can also re-steep the berries several times, as they will continue to release flavor.

Adding Other Ingredients

Goji berry tea is versatile and pairs well with other ingredients for enhanced flavor and benefits. Some popular additions include:

Ginger: Adds a spicy, warming kick and supports digestion.
Jujube (Red Dates): Provides additional natural sweetness and is also valued in TCM.
Chrysanthemum: Offers a floral note and is often used to support eye health.
Honey: A natural sweetener that can be added to taste.

Goji Berries in Hot Water vs. Cold Water


Feature	Hot Water Infusion (Tea)	Cold Water Soaking	Benefits & Uses
Preparation Time	5–15 minutes	2+ hours or overnight	Faster extraction, warm beverage, traditional remedy.
Temperature	175-185°F (80-85°C)	Room temperature or refrigerated	Ideal for quick, warm drinks. Preserves more delicate antioxidants.
Berry Texture	Plump and soft, ready to eat	Softer and juicier, but requires longer soaking	Suitable for immediate consumption. Best for blending later.
Flavor Profile	Mild, sweet, slightly earthy	Milder, more subtle sweetness	Ideal for a soothing, warm drink. Better for a lighter, refreshing flavor.
Nutrient Release	Releases antioxidants and polysaccharides quickly	Releases nutrients slowly and gently	Efficient extraction for immediate benefits. Good for longer, more passive infusion.

Potential Precautions and Side Effects

While generally safe for most healthy adults, it is important to be aware of potential risks. Goji berries are part of the nightshade family, which can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. More importantly, goji berries may interact with certain medications.

Warfarin (blood thinner): Goji berries can interact with warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding. Consult a doctor before consuming.
Diabetes and high blood pressure medication: There is a potential for interference with these drugs, so professional medical advice is recommended.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Due to limited research and traditional usage patterns, pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to exercise caution and consult their healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Yes, you can absolutely put goji berries in hot water. In fact, it is one of the most traditional and effective ways to consume them, transforming dried, chewy berries into a plump, flavorful, and hydrating treat. Steeping the berries in hot water releases their beneficial antioxidants and creates a nourishing herbal tea. This practice offers a simple and delicious method to incorporate the nutritional power of goji berries into your daily routine. However, as with any health-related dietary change, individuals on specific medications should first consult a healthcare professional to avoid potential interactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is completely safe and beneficial to drink the water after soaking goji berries. This liquid is a nutrient-rich infusion containing the antioxidants and flavors that have leached from the berries.

You can steep goji berries in hot water for anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on your desired strength and flavor. Longer steeping times will result in a more potent, flavorful tea.

Yes, you can and should eat the plumped-up goji berries after they have steeped. Soaking them softens their texture, making them more palatable than in their dried form.

Using very hot, but not boiling, water helps extract nutrients efficiently. While some heat-sensitive vitamins like Vitamin C can be affected by extreme heat, most of the berries' antioxidants and beneficial compounds remain intact during the steeping process.

Yes, goji berries are very versatile. After soaking in hot water, the rehydrated berries can be added to smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, salads, or baked goods.

The ideal temperature is between 175-185°F (80-85°C), which is hot enough to extract flavors and nutrients without the intense heat of a rolling boil.

Yes, you can re-steep the same goji berries two to three times. Each subsequent infusion will have a slightly milder flavor.