Honey Citron Tea (Yuja-Cha)
Need a hug in a mug? This Korean Tea recipe, Yuja-Cha (Honey Citron Tea), is sweet, tangy, and oh-so-soothing! Perfect for a cold or just a cozy night in. Get the recipe! ... Global Flavors
Recipe Introduction: Korean Honey Citron Tea (Yuja-Cha)
Craving something warm and citrusy? honestly, who isn't? this honey citron tea , or yuja-cha , is your ticket to a cozy night in.
It's packed with flavour and super easy to make.
Sunshine in a Mug: Discovering Yuja-Cha
Yuja-cha is a traditional korean tea made with yuja-cheong , a sweet and tangy citron preserve. this tea drink recipe is more than just a beverage.
It is a cultural hug in a mug and usually drank for sore throat. making it involves only one serving and five minutes.
The Goodness of Gold: Benefits of Honey Citron Tea
Beyond its amazing taste, this korean tea boasts the citron tea benefits from vitamin c. a perfect pick-me-up when you're feeling under the weather, and a delish treat anytime.
Honestly, it is a great korean cold remedy !
What You Need to Brew Your Happiness
Here's what you'll need: 2 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of Yuja-cheong (store-bought is perfectly fine!), and optional honey, ginger, or cinnamon. If you're feeling fancy, go for local honey.
Honey Citron Tea (Yuja-Cha) Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's talk about what you'll need to make this liquid sunshine! Honestly, it's a pretty short list. Making Korean tea doesn't have to be complicated, and this Yuja-Cha Recipe is proof!
Main Players
- Water: 2 cups ( 475 ml ). Tap water is fine, but filtered is always a bit nicer, you know?
- Yuja-cheong (Honey Citron Preserve): 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ). Store-bought is totally cool. If you're feeling ambitious, you could try making your own Homemade Yuja-Cheong , but that's a whole other adventure. Quality Yuja-cheong should be vibrant in color, with a strong citrus aroma.
- Honey (Optional): 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ), or to taste. Local honey is my go-to if I have it.
Seasoning Notes
This Korean Citrus Tea is already bursting with flavor, thanks to the Yuja-cheong . But a few additions can really take it to the next level.
- Cinnamon & Ginger: A small slice of peeled ginger and/or a cinnamon stick are amazing additions, I swear! This is where you can experience the Cinnamon Tea Benefits and enhance your drink into Cinnamon Ginger Tea .
- Flavor Enhancers: The essential spice combinations are not really required, I just love them. For a bit of extra sweetness and that comforting touch, add a little honey.
Equipment Needed
Good news! You probably already have everything you need.
- Kettle or Saucepan: For boiling the water. Pretty standard.
- Mug or Teacup: Obvious, right? I have a favorite mug I reserve for Korean tea .
- Spoon: For stirring, duh.
Honey Citron Tea (Yuja-Cha): A Taste of Korean Sunshine
Yuja-cha, or honey citron tea , is the korean beverage. it's made from yuja-cheong. think of it as a warm hug in a mug.
Honestly, it's sunshine in liquid form. this korean tea is what you need on a cold day.
Prep Steps: Ready, Set, Brew!
Essential mise en place is simple. Grab water, Yuja-cheong (store-bought or homemade), and your fave mug. Time-saving? Have boiling water ready to go. Safety? Don't burn yourself. Seriously, boiling water is hot.
Step-by-Step: From Kettle to Cup
- Heat 2 cups (475 ml) water. Get it boiling hot.
- Spoon 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Yuja-cheong into your mug.
- Pour boiling water over the Yuja-cheong . Stir.
- Add 1 teaspoon (5 ml) honey, if you like. Stir until dissolved.
- Add a ginger slice and/or cinnamon stick. Let steep for 1- 2 minutes . Boom!
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Tea Game
Don't use water too hot. It kills the flavour. Adjust Yuja-cheong to your taste. Some Homemade Yuja-Cheong is sweeter than others. Stir really well. Nobody likes globs of Citron Tea Benefits .
I tried making homemade yuja-cheong once. oh my gosh, what a mess! honestly, store-bought is fine! but if you're feeling adventurous, go for it.
It will be great to have at home in winter for a korean cold remedy . and don't forget that korean citrus tea is good year round!
This korean tea isn't just delicious, it's soothing. that's one of the best cinnamon tea benefits . serve it with some sweet tea drink recipes to make it extra special, and maybe even invite your friends over for some cinnamon ginger tea together! also, i once tried adding a splash of ginger ale.
It was surprisingly good!
Recipe Notes
Let's dive into a few extra things about this amazing korean citrus tea, aka yuja-cha recipe . it's super simple, i promise! i've made this more times than i can count.
Honestly, it's my go-to when i'm feeling a bit blah.
Serving Suggestions: Make it Look Fab!
Okay, so you've got this gorgeous korean honey tea . time to show it off! i love serving it in a clear glass mug.
This way, you can see the little bits of citron. it just looks so inviting. presentation is key. you can add a small slice of fresh ginger or a cinnamon stick for extra visual appeal.
Think of it as your own little spa treatment in a cup. for sides, some crispy korean rice cakes or even a plain biscuit are awesome! a warm pastry would make the tea complete.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Since we're just making a single serving, there's not much to store. however, your yuja-cheong is another story. refrigerate your yuja-cheong in an airtight container.
It should last for several months, honestly. if you did make it yourself, be sure to stir it every now and then.
Variations: Spice it Up!
Want to mix things up? of course, you do! i once accidentally used lime marmalade instead of the korean citrus tea and it was still delicious.
Don't be afraid to experiment! for a fiery kick, add a small piece of fresh ginger to the boiling water.
Seriously, a tiny piece. it adds a lovely warmth. going vegan? swap the honey for agave nectar or maple syrup.
Easy peasy! and for the adventurous, how about cinnamon ginger tea for extra cinnamon tea benefits ?
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Cup
Let's be real, it’s not exactly a health food. it has sugar, after all. each serving has approximately 120 calories.
There's less than 1g of protein and fat, and roughly 30g of carbs with 28g of sugar. but hey, it's comforting, and the citron does contain vitamin c.
And let's not forget about its soothing and possible korean cold remedy .
Honestly, this korean tea is like a warm hug in a mug. don't overthink it. just make it and enjoy.
You've got this! and the best part? you can say you are drinking citron tea benefits in every single cup.
If you have your own yuja-cheong, use this easy tea drink recipes and share what you think of this delicious homemade yuja-cheong !
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Yuja-Cha, this "korean tea" I keep hearing about?
Yuja-Cha, or Honey Citron Tea, is a popular korean tea made by mixing Yuja-cheong (a sweet and tangy citron preserve) with hot water. It's like the Korean equivalent of a lemon and honey drink, perfect for a sore throat or just a cozy night in. Think of it as a hug in a mug!
Can I make this korean tea if I don't have Yuja-cheong? Are there any substitutes?
While Yuja-cheong is the star of the show, you can experiment! Lemon or grapefruit marmalade can offer a similar citrusy sweetness, though the flavor profile will be slightly different. If you're using marmalade, you might want to add a touch of honey to sweeten it up, just like when you're making lemonade from scratch.
How should I store leftover Yuja-cheong (honey citron preserve)?
Yuja-cheong should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because it's preserved with honey and sugar, it has a pretty long shelf life – think months rather than days. Just make sure to use a clean spoon each time you scoop some out to prevent contamination, just like you would with a good jam or marmalade. If it starts looking or smelling funky, it's time to chuck it!
Is korean tea good for you? What are the health benefits?
Yuja-Cha is often enjoyed for its potential health benefits! The citron fruit is a good source of Vitamin C, which is great for boosting your immune system. Plus, the honey can soothe a sore throat. Keep in mind that Yuja-cheong is fairly high in sugar, so enjoy it in moderation, just like any other sweet treat.
Can I make a big batch of this korean tea ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! Just heat the water and keep it warm in a thermos or on the stove on low heat. Then, let your guests add the Yuja-cheong to their own mugs. You can even set out a little "tea bar" with honey, ginger slices, and cinnamon sticks for them to customize their drinks - proper British style, but Korean flavour!
I want to try making my own Yuja-cheong. Any tips for making this key ingredient for korean tea?
Making your own Yuja-cheong is a fun project! Be sure to use organic citrons if possible, and wash them very thoroughly. The key is to slice the citrons very thinly and combine them with an equal weight of sugar or honey. The mixture needs to sit for several weeks to properly ferment and develop its flavor. There are lots of great recipes online – have a look!
