Korean Bitter Melon Jujube Tea
Yeoju-daechu-cha is a Korean herbal tea that steeps dried bitter melon, pitted jujubes, dried tangerine peel, and fresh ginger together for 25 minutes. The bitter melon provides a gentle, lingering bitterness that the jujubes counter with their natural sweetness, while the tangerine peel adds a citrus top note and ginger delivers a warm, peppery finish. Honey is dissolved after the heat is turned off to preserve its delicate fragrance, and a few pine nuts floated on the surface contribute a mild nuttiness. The tea is caffeine-free, and the bitter melon quantity can be reduced for those sensitive to its flavor.
Adjust Servings
Instructions
- 1
Soak dried bitter melon in cold water for 2 minutes to remove surface dust, then drain.
- 2
Halve and pit jujubes, then thinly slice ginger.
- 3
Combine water, bitter melon, jujubes, tangerine peel, and ginger in a pot and bring to a boil.
- 4
Reduce to low heat and simmer for 25 minutes to balance bitter and sweet notes.
- 5
Strain the tea and dissolve honey thoroughly.
- 6
Pour into cups and top with a few pine nuts for aroma.
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Nutrition (per serving)
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