Korean Pine Needle Tea (Resinous Jujube Ginger Brew)
Solnip-cha is a Korean pine needle tea made by simmering young, cleaned pine needles with jujubes and sliced ginger in water, first at medium heat and then on low for 15 minutes to release the needles' fresh, resinous fragrance. The needles are washed two to three times under running water to remove dust and resin residue, then cut into 5-centimeter lengths to increase the surface area for infusion. The jujubes are halved and seeded so their sweetness dissolves readily, and the ginger adds a warm undertone that tempers the pine's sharpness. After straining, honey and a small amount of lemon juice are stirred in off the heat, creating a tea where the clean evergreen aroma, floral sweetness, and gentle acidity come together in balance.
Adjust Servings
Instructions
- 1
Rinse pine needles 2-3 times under running water and cut into 5 cm lengths.
- 2
Halve the jujubes and remove seeds, then thinly slice the ginger.
- 3
Combine water, pine needles, jujubes, and ginger in a pot and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- 4
Lower to low heat and steep for 15 more minutes once boiling starts.
- 5
Turn off heat, strain for clarity, then stir in honey and lemon juice.
- 6
Serve warm immediately, or chill in the fridge and serve cold.
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Nutrition (per serving)
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