Korean Houttuynia Herbal Tea
Sambaekcho-cha is a caffeine-free Korean herbal tea brewed by simmering dried houttuynia herb with dried apple slices and scored jujubes in water on low heat for 15 minutes. The herb is rinsed quickly under running water to remove dust, and the jujubes are scored so their sweetness seeps into the liquid during the simmer. The combination produces a clean, grassy base note from the houttuynia, layered with the mild fruit sweetness of dried apple and the rounded warmth of jujube. Lemon slices are steeped in the pot for two minutes after the heat is off, lending a light citrus lift that keeps the finish bright, and agave syrup adjusts the sweetness to taste.
Adjust Servings
Instructions
- 1
Place dried sambaekcho in a sieve and rinse quickly under running water.
- 2
Score the jujubes so flavor releases more easily.
- 3
Add water, sambaekcho, jujubes, and dried apple to a pot and bring to a boil.
- 4
Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer gently for 15 minutes.
- 5
Turn off heat and steep lemon slices for 2 minutes.
- 6
Strain into cups and finish with agave syrup to taste.
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Nutrition (per serving)
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