5 Unique Teas Found in Korea
Tea is a pretty big deal in most parts of the world. With there being an infinite number of tea shops and cafes popping up in various places, it’s hard to deny the popularity of the drink. Traditionally, tea is made up of different herbs, spices, and (of course) tea leaves; and in Korea, that practice is taken up a bit because why should leaves be the only ingredient needed to make some delicious tea?
Here are just 5 of some unique tea flavors found in Korea:
1. Buckwheat Tea
For those who don’t know, buckwheat is a plant made up of grain-like seeds that are most commonly used to produce flour. However, when it’s grounded to make tea the flavor is often described as being similar to that of roasted nuts, which makes sense since the seeds are pan-fried and soaked in piping hot water. Buckwheat tea is known to help boost your metabolism, so you can try out something new while also improving your health!
2. Ginseng Tea
Ginseng tea isn’t made with traditional tea leaves, but an infusion of different herbs and spices, and it does take a lot longer to brew. Containing both jujubes and Korean chestnuts, it’s boiled over low heat for several hours. Once ready, depending on your preference, honey is added as a sweetener and pine nuts are added to the top.
3. Solomon's Seal Tea
Here is a tea that has been so popularized, the people of South Korea are able to find it at local vending machines! Solomon’s Seal tea is made from the Solomon’s Seal root that is roasted alongside nuts before being soaked in hot water to create the beverage. Unlike other teas, this tea is very thick and compared most frequently to soup. While it does have a bit of protein, it should not be mistaken for a meal but rather enjoyed with your breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
4. Yuja Tea
Lovers of oranges are going to take a definite liking to this tea. Yuja is a fruit that is similar to a grapefruit, but closer to a mandarin in flavor. Often, especially during the winter when it’s most popular, Yuja marmalade (which is similar to jelly spread, or jam) flies off the shelves in different grocery stores. It’s normally used as a remedy to colds, and when brewed into a tea can help in clearing away coughs and soothing a sore throat. It’s also one of the easier teas to make. All that’s needed is a spoon full of the Yuja marmalade, some hot water, and there you have it! A nice warm cup of Yuja tea.
5. Sweet Dew Tea
Sweet dew tea is made from hydrangea leaves and is known for not needing much of a sweetener added into it because it’s already sweet. It smells a bit like peppermint and can be brewed in cold and hot water. The tea has become such a popular drink that people pay to have it shipped to them all across the world because of how easy it is to brew and how natural the taste is!
If reading about all of these teas hasn’t made you want to cuddle up with your own cup, you must have tried them all already! Which have you tried? What are some unique teas that we missed?
We’d love to hear your comments below!
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