Red dates and goji berries are both sweet in flavor, neutral in nature, and easy to prepare in various drinks, teas, soups, and porridge to nourish the body.
Healthy Dishes Made from Red Dates and Goji Berries
- 1. Red Date and Goji Berry Tea
- 2. Red Date, Lotus Seed, and Taro Soup
- 3. Red Date and Mung Bean Dessert
- 4. Chicken Egg Soup with Goji Berries and Red Dates
- 5. Red Date and Goji Berry Porridge
- 6. Black Fungus and Red Date Soup
- 7. Stir-fried Goji Berries with Vegetables
- 8. Red Date and Carrot Soup
- 9. Red Date and Pumpkin Porridge
- 10. Red Date and Licorice Drink
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, red dates are classified as a tonic that boosts energy (Qi), strengthens the spleen and stomach (digestive system), enhances overall health, and alleviates acute pain. Numerous scientific studies have shown that red dates contain a variety of nutrients such as sugars, proteins, fats, organic acids, carotene, vitamins B2, C, P, calcium, phosphorus, and iron.
Goji berries are known for nourishing the body’s Yin blood and fluids, strengthening tendons and muscles, supporting kidney health, and improving eyesight. According to Western medicine, goji berries are a powerful antioxidant fruit that helps combat aging and rejuvenate liver, heart, brain, and eye cells.
These two tonic ingredients can be incorporated into everyday meals, especially beneficial for those recovering from illness, experiencing fatigue, dehydration, or weakness. After recovering from Covid-19, the body often loses energy and water, leading to symptoms such as dry cough, thirst, shortness of breath, etc. Therefore, it is recommended to include dishes made from red dates and goji berries in the daily diet.
1. Red Date and Goji Berry Tea
This is the simplest dish for busy individuals with little time to prepare meals. Cut red dates into small pieces and steep them with goji berries in boiling water to drink throughout the day until the flavor is gone. The recommended amount for one person is 6-12 grams of each ingredient per day, depending on body weight. Those who are prone to a cold stomach should add 2-3 slices of roasted ginger to the tea.
2. Red Date, Lotus Seed, and Taro Soup
This dish is suitable for everyone, especially beneficial for those with poor appetite and digestion. The recommended amount for one person is 6-12 grams of red dates, 15-20 grams of fresh lotus seeds or 10-15 grams of dried lotus seeds, 20-40 grams of taro, and just enough rock sugar or brown sugar. Dice the red dates, peel and wash the taro, and cut it into small cubes. Place the red dates, lotus seeds, and taro into a pot to simmer until soft, seasoning with sugar to taste and adding a pinch of salt. It is best eaten hot.
Red Date, Lotus Seed, and Taro Soup. (Photo: Mộc Nguyên)
3. Red Date and Mung Bean Dessert
Combine 6-12 grams of red dates and 20-30 grams of mung beans and simmer until soft, adding just enough brown sugar and a few grains of salt. This dish can be served hot or cold, once a day, and can be consumed continuously for several days. It helps nourish Qi and blood, suitable for those experiencing dryness and heat symptoms.
4. Chicken Egg Soup with Goji Berries and Red Dates
Use 15 grams of goji berries, 12 grams of red dates, two chicken eggs or about 6 quail eggs, and just enough brown sugar. Wash the goji berries and red dates, cutting the dates into small pieces; place all into a pot with three cups of water and simmer until about 1.5 cups remain. Strain to obtain the broth and discard the solids. Boil the eggs to a soft-boiled state, peel them, and pierce the surface with a toothpick. Add the eggs to the broth, season with brown sugar to taste, and add a few grains of salt, bringing to a boil until the sugar and salt dissolve. Consume the eggs and broth while hot. This dish can be eaten continuously for 3-5 days and is effective for nourishing the liver and kidneys, replenishing blood, and boosting vitality, aiding in quick recovery after illness.
5. Red Date and Goji Berry Porridge
Use 12 grams of red dates, 10 grams of goji berries, and 30-50 grams of glutinous rice, optionally adding lotus seeds or ginkgo nuts to taste. Wash the ingredients, cutting the red dates into small pieces. Combine all ingredients in a pot with just enough water and simmer until it turns into porridge, seasoning to taste. This dish helps nourish Qi and blood, replenish fluids, and improve eyesight and skin health.
Red Date and Goji Berry Porridge. (Photo: Mộc Nguyên)
6. Black Fungus and Red Date Soup
Use 15-20 grams of black fungus, 10-12 grams of red dates, and 100-120 grams of pork tenderloin. Wash the ingredients, cutting the fungus, red dates, and pork into small pieces. Place all ingredients into a pot, adding an onion, three slices of ginger, and salt, and simmer until soft. Season with pepper and sesame oil to taste. Serve hot with meals. This soup is particularly beneficial for those with anemia, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases.
7. Stir-fried Goji Berries with Vegetables
Stir-fry goji berries with vegetables such as celery, broccoli, greens, and carrots; add lean pork or pork belly according to preference. Prepare it as you would with regular stir-fried dishes. Add a few slices of shredded ginger and a little red wine. This dish helps improve eyesight, enhance skin health, combat aging, and nourish the liver and kidneys.
8. Red Date and Carrot Soup
Use 100-120 grams of carrots and 10-15 grams of red dates. Chop the carrots and red dates and place them in a pot, simmering with three bowls of water. When about one bowl of water remains, strain out the solids and keep the liquid, dividing it into three servings to drink throughout the day. Drink for 3-5 consecutive days to help nourish Qi, cool the lungs, and reduce cough.
9. Red Date and Pumpkin Porridge
Use 10-15 grams of red dates, 200 grams of pumpkin, and just enough brown sugar. Cook the dates and pumpkin until soft, seasoning with sugar to taste. Eat while hot for several consecutive days to help reduce phlegm cough and increase energy.
10. Red Date and Licorice Drink
Use 6 red dates and 6 grams of licorice, adding two bowls of water and simmering until one bowl remains, then drink hot. This helps boost energy and treat phlegm cough.
Traditional Medicine Practitioner Mộc Nguyên
Phu Nhuan District Traditional Medicine Association, Ho Chi Minh City
