October 7, 2009
Korean Tea (made from fruits)
Korean tea refers to various types of tisane that can be served hot or cold. Not necessarily related to “common” tea, they are made from diverse substances including fruits, leaves, roots, and grains used in traditional Korean medicine.
Following are some of the types of Korean Tea made from fruits
Sujeonggwa is a Korean traditional fruit punch. It is made from dried persimmons, cinnamon, and ginger, and is often garnished with pine nuts. The flavor of sujeonggwa is mildly hot and spicy, and at the same time sweet. It is served cold, often in a punch bowl, and is dark reddish brown in color.Sujeonggwa is usually served at special occasions such as weddings. It is also widely available in canned form. It is usually consumed as a dessert, much like sikhye.
Yujacha (also spelled yuja cha) is a Korean traditional tea made from thinly sliced with its peel and combined with honey or sugar. A tablespoon of yucheong thick syrup-like stirred into a cup of usually hot water makes a beverage. The color is yellow and its form looks like marmalade. The yuja fruit itself is flavorful while it has a sour and bitter taste at the same time, so Korean people make it preserved and sweetened for making tea. Yujacha can either be made at home or purchased in glass jars. Yujacha is used as a herbal remedy for the common cold and similar winter illnesses.
Kugija cha – made from dried wolfberries
Daechucha – made from jujubes
Omija cha : Tea made from dried fruits of Schisandra chinensis. Omija cha is named because the tea comprises five distinct flavors: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and pungent.
Maesil cha : green fruits of a maesil and sugar is added to water, and then fermented for a month or so. Be careful not to produce alcohol.
Mogwa cha – the fruit of a Pseudocydonia, or Chinese quince, is sliced, and then it is stored and fermented in large bowl with sugar and water for a month or so. Take care that the mixture does not become alcoholic. Sometimes, small red ants are added to improve flavor and enhance fermentation.
Sansu-yu cha – made from a fruit of Cornus officinalis, which is a variety of dogwood.
Taengja cha – the fruit of the trifoliate orange and sugar are added with water and allowed to ferment for a month or so.
Sanguyu cha – made from Korean Dogwood
You can find authentic Korean Tea on many Korean Restaurants in Los Angeles.