German Chamomile and Black Goji Berry Tea

Why people make this tea

Black goji berries — rare, deeply pigmented relatives of the familiar red wolfberry — have become one of the most talked-about ingredients in contemporary Chinese food therapy. It takes around ten pounds of fresh black goji berries to yield just one pound of the dried berries, which accounts for their premium value. Paired with German chamomile (considered superior in quality and longevity to the common Chinese variety), this makes a gorgeous, violet-tinted tea that is as pleasant to drink as it is visually striking. The combination supports liver and kidney health, helps with tired or deteriorating eyesight, and promotes the kind of calm that makes it an ideal evening drink.

Method

1. Place the black goji berries and German chamomile into a teapot or heatproof cup.
2. Rinse once with a small amount of freshly boiled water and discard the rinse water.
3. Pour in fresh boiling water to fill.
4. Steep for 5 minutes before drinking.
5. The tea can be re-steeped until the flavour and colour fade. Eat the softened black goji berries — they contain the most concentrated nutrients.

Nourilo’s Tips

German chamomile costs noticeably more than ordinary Chinese chamomile, but the difference in quality is significant — the German variety stays fragrant and insect-free far longer than cheaper alternatives, making it better value over time. If you cannot find German chamomile, chrysanthemum (Chinese ju hua) or snow chrysanthemum (xue ju) make reasonable substitutes. Adding a small pinch of loose green tea can help temper any warming quality in the black goji berries if you tend to run hot. Both ingredients are available at Chinese herb shops and online Asian health retailers.