Korean Persimmon Leaf Tea
Gamnip-cha is a Korean caffeine-free tea brewed from dried persimmon leaves and dried tangerine peel, yielding a gentle green-herbal note layered with light citrus. Steeping on low heat for twelve minutes after bringing the water to a boil extracts the soft, grassy flavor of the leaves while minimizing any astringency. Thinly sliced Korean pear with its skin adds natural sweetness and a fresh quality to the infusion, and the tangerine peel is kept to a small amount so it accents rather than overwhelms the leaf aroma. The tea is strained, sweetened with honey, and finished with a trace of cinnamon.
Adjust Servings
Instructions
- 1
Rinse dried persimmon leaves and tangerine peel briefly, then drain.
- 2
Thinly slice the pear with skin on for aroma and sweetness.
- 3
Heat water with persimmon leaves and tangerine peel over high heat.
- 4
Once gently boiling, add pear and steep on low heat for 12 minutes.
- 5
Strain the tea and stir in honey until dissolved.
- 6
Pour into cups and finish with a light dusting of cinnamon.
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