June 30, 2016 Dr. Edward Group, DC

Goji Berry Recipe: Goji-Ginger Almond Pears

This sweet treat combines pears, goji berries, and ginger into a surprisingly healthy dessert that you don’t have to feel guilty about enjoying. Pears are a delicious metabolism booster. Anjou, bartlett, and bosc pears taste excellent and work especially well. A tip – pears are best picked a little underripe and stored in a paper bag for a few days to ripen. Adding an apple or banana to the bag helps speed the ripening process.

Ginger has a reputation as a remedy for all sorts of ailments. Upset stomach^[1], migraines^[2], muscle aches^[3] – it seems there isn't much it can't handle. It also helps maintain healthy blood pressure^[4] and blood sugar levels.^[5]

Of course, we can't forget about the goji berries – a superfood with many health benefits.

One note about the recipe… I prefer arrowroot over cornstarch as a sauce thickener. It makes for a nicer sauce and it's easier to digest, although a little harder to find. You can substitute cornstarch if you have difficulties locating arrowroot.

Goji-Ginger Almond Pears

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Serves: 6

Equipment

Peeler
Knife
Saucepan
Wooden spoon
Small bowl

Ingredients

5 firm, ripe, organic pears
3 cups organic apple cider
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh, organic ginger root
3 tablespoons arrowroot or cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon organic almond extract
3 heaping tablespoons dried goji berries
Himalayan crystal salt to taste

Instructions

Place goji berries in small bowl and cover with hot water. Allow to rehydrate for 5 minutes, then drain.
Peel the pears, quarter them lengthwise, and core.
Slice pears thinly and place in a saucepan with the apple cider and ginger root.
Add a pinch of salt.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until pears are tender, about 15 minutes.
Dissolve arrowroot or cornstarch in 1/3 cup cold water and add to the simmering pears, stirring, until the sauce is thick and clear.
Remove from heat and stir in almond extract. Sprinkle goji berries on top. Serve warm or cold.

References (5)

Palatty PL, Haniadka R, Valder B, Arora R, Baliga MS. Ginger in the prevention of nausea and vomiting: a review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2013;53(7):659-69. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2011.553751.
Mashhadi NS, Ghiasvand R, Askari G, Feizi A, Hariri M, Darvishi L, Barani A, Taghiyar M, Shiranian A, Hajishafiee M. Influence of ginger and cinnamon intake on inflammation and muscle soreness endued by exercise in Iranian female athletes. Int J Prev Med. 2013 Apr;4(Suppl 1):S11-5.
Mashhadi NS, Ghiasvand R, Askari G, Feizi A, Hariri M, Darvishi L, Barani A, Taghiyar M, Shiranian A, Hajishafiee M. Influence of ginger and cinnamon intake on inflammation and muscle soreness endued by exercise in Iranian female athletes. Int J Prev Med. 2013 Apr;4(Suppl 1):S11-5.
Manosroi A, Lohcharoenkal W, Khonsung P, Manosroi W, Manosroi J. Potent antihypertensive activity of Thai-Lanna medicinal plants and recipes from “MANOSROI III” database. Pharm Biol. 2013 Jul 22.
Mahluji S, Attari VE, Mobasseri M, Payahoo L, Ostadrahimi A, Golzari SE. Effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on plasma glucose level, HbA1c and insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic patients. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2013 Sep;64(6):682-6. doi: 10.3109/09637486.2013.775223. Epub 2013 Mar 18.

†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.

Posted in: Nutrition > Recipes > Vegan Recipes,

Dr. Edward Group, DC

FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATE

Dr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.