Korean Five-Flavor Tea

A Flavorful Journey

Korean Five-Flavor Tea is a delightful journey into Korean flavors that I absolutely adore. As I sit with a cup of this refreshing Korean Five-Flavor Tea, I’m always amazed by how a simple blend of dried omija berries and water can transform into such a unique drink. Korean Five-Flavor Tea, with its sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and spicy notes, is like a dance of flavors on my palate. It’s perfect for any time of day, whether you’re lounging on a hot summer afternoon or curled up on a cozy winter night.

The Preparation Process

The preparation process begins with rinsing the dried omija berries. I quickly rinse them under running water to clear away any dust or debris, making sure to remove any stems or unwanted particles. Once rinsed, I place the berries into a large container filled with cold water. Covering the container, I let it steep in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours. This steeping process is essential as it allows the flavors to infuse fully, creating the complex, multi-dimensional taste that defines Korean Five-Flavor Tea.

Serving Korean Five-Flavor Tea

Serving Korean Five-Flavor Tea is always a moment of excitement. After the steeping time is up, I strain the tea into a serving pitcher or individual glasses. If I’m in the mood for something extra refreshing, I add a few ice cubes. The tea has a beautiful light pink hue and, if I’m feeling fancy, I might garnish it with a few dried omija berries floating on top. For those who prefer a sweeter taste, I stir in a few spoonfuls of sugar or honey just before serving.

Enjoying the Tea

Enjoying the tea is where the magic happens. The first sip is always a revelation, with each flavor note mingling perfectly. Korean Five-Flavor Tea pairs wonderfully with light snacks like rice cakes or fresh fruit. It’s an experience that never gets old, and every time I make it, I find myself experimenting with other dried berries or herbs to add my personal touch. This tea is not just a beverage; it’s a celebration of Korean flavors that brings joy with every cup.

Chef’s Notes- Korean Five-Flavor Tea

• Rinse Thoroughly: Make sure to rinse the dried omija berries well to remove any dust or impurities. This step helps in achieving a cleaner, more refined flavor.
• Steeping Time: For the best flavor, steep the berries for a full 12 hours. This extended steeping time allows all the complex flavors of the omija berries to infuse into the water.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the tea before adding any sweeteners. The omija berries have a natural tangy sweetness, so you might find you prefer it without additional sugar or honey.
• Flavor Variations: Add slices of fresh ginger or lemon to the steeping water for a zesty kick. Fresh herbs like mint or basil can also add an interesting twist.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the tea chilled over ice for a refreshing summer drink or warm it up slightly for a cozy winter treat. It pairs beautifully with light, Korean-style snacks such as rice cakes or fresh fruit.

Korean Five-Flavor Tea

Recipe by Kimmy

Course: DrinksCuisine: KoreanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

cups

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

0

minutes

Calories

10

kcal

Resting Time

12

hours 

Total time

12

hours 

5

minutes

Dive into the world of Korean flavors with this refreshing Five-Flavor Tea! This easy-to-make beverage is perfect for any time of the day. With a blend of sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and spicy notes, it’s a unique experience for your taste buds. Steeped overnight for maximum flavor, this tea can be sweetened to your liking with sugar or honey. Perfect for a hot summer day or a cozy winter evening!

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup dried omija berries (approximately 30 grams)

• 8 1/2 cups cold water (2 liters)

• sugar

• honey

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Dried hibiscus flowers replaces dried omija berries

• Agave syrup replaces honey

• Stevia replaces sugar

Directions

• Rinse Berries – Quickly rinse the dried omija berries under running water to remove any dust or debris. Pick out any stems or unwanted particles.
• Steep Berries – Place the rinsed omija berries into a large container filled with cold water. Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours to allow the flavors to infuse fully.
• Serve Tea – After steeping, strain the tea into a serving pitcher or individual glasses. Add ice cubes if desired.
• Sweeten (Optional) – If you prefer a sweeter tea, stir in a few spoonfuls of sugar or honey to taste before serving.

Equipment

• measuring cups and spoons
• colander
• mixing bowls
• food storage containers

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 10kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg
• Potassium: 10mg
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Vitamin A: 0IU
• Vitamin C: 0mg
• Calcium: 1mg
• Iron: 1mg

FAQs- Korean Five-Flavor Tea

Can I use fresh omija berries instead of dried ones?

Fresh omija berries are not commonly available and may not have the same intense flavor as dried ones. Dried berries are recommended for the most authentic taste.

What if I don’t have omija berries?

You can use dried hibiscus flowers as a substitute. They will provide a similar tartness and color but with a slightly different flavor profile.

How long can I store the tea?

The tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container to maintain its flavor.

Can I make this tea hot instead of cold?

Yes, you can heat the tea after steeping if you prefer it warm. Just be sure not to boil it, as this might alter the delicate flavors.

Is it possible to make this tea without any sweeteners?

Absolutely! The tea has a naturally unique flavor from the omija berries. Feel free to enjoy it unsweetened, or add a small amount of your preferred sweetener if desired.