Herbal & Flower Teas
Goji Berry Brown Rice Tea
traditionally associated with supporting vision and vitality
Why people make this tea
Walking through a specialty herb-and-flower-tea shop one afternoon, Bro Niu spotted golden roasted brown rice and could not resist picking some up. Brewed on its own, it has a lovely toasty, nutty aroma. In Japan and Korea it is famously paired with green tea — the combination is said to support digestion and a healthy body weight. Bro Niu decided to pair the roasted rice with a generous spoonful of goji berries instead: the result is a pale amber, fragrant tea that is wonderfully easy to make and genuinely pleasant to drink.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for most people, young and old alike.
- Those with an active fever or external cold/flu symptoms should wait until they recover before drinking this tea, as the warming, nourishing nature of the ingredients may not be appropriate during acute illness.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): In Chinese food therapy, goji berries are among the most celebrated everyday tonics. They are associated with nourishing liver and kidney Yin, supporting comfortable vision, moderating blood sugar and lipid levels, and promoting healthy blood formation. They are also traditionally considered an anti-aging food for middle-aged and older adults.
- Roasted brown rice (xuan mi / genmai): Brown rice that has been soaked, steamed, and then dry-roasted. The roasting process develops a pleasant aroma and is said to make the nutrients more readily available. It is traditionally associated with supporting digestion, easing bloating, and gentle calorie management.
Ingredients (1 mug)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Goji berries (gou qi zi) | 1 tablespoon (~10 g) | Widely available in Asian grocery stores and online |
| Roasted brown rice (genmai / xuan mi) | 1 tablespoon (~10 g) | Available at Japanese or Korean grocery stores; can dry-roast brown rice at home in a skillet until golden |
Method
- Place the goji berries and roasted brown rice together in a teapot or heatproof mug.
- Pour a small amount of boiling water over them, swirl gently, and discard the rinse water — this cleans the ingredients.
- Pour in fresh boiling water (about 250–300 ml / 1 cup), cover, and steep for 5 minutes.
- Pour into a cup and drink. You can refill with boiling water two or three times before the flavour fades. The softened goji berries can be eaten at the end.
Bro Niu’s tips
This tea is gentle enough for daily drinking by most people. If you cannot find roasted brown rice (genmai), simply dry-toast raw brown rice in a pan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it turns golden and smells nutty — then let it cool before using.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Brenda): I bought some Japanese genmai-cha (roasted brown rice green tea blend). Can I still add goji berries to it? Bro Niu: Absolutely — adding goji berries to genmai-cha green tea is perfectly fine and makes a nice combination.
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Q (reader): Can this tea be drunk every day? Bro Niu: Yes, roasted brown rice tea can be enjoyed daily without concern.
Published May 13, 2016 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
