Yuzu tea, also known as Yuja Cha, 유자차, and citron tea is a traditional Korean beverage with a vibrant citrusy flavor and depth of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. This easy to make citron tea has an addicting fragrance with sweet honey. It’s uplifting while being soothing to the body. Get carried away with this simple to make yuja tea recipe that will make you feel all cozy and good inside.
Table of contents
I am always shopping at the Korean market and if you haven’t been, you will stop to notice the big glass jars of yuzu tea with honey. Some are mixed with ginger or use sugar.
It’s easy to find a whole grocery shelf full of this wonder food and makes sense because it’s a very common Korean staple in many households. Also, during cold weather, or when you have a cold, there is yuzu tea.
I make immunity shot drinks as well as this yuzu tea a lot, especially when I’m feeling unwell or just need a Vitamin C packed drink to switch up from my regular coffee drinks and the dessert drinks.
Even more so, when you can have it homemade, it becomes even better than it already is. You can also have this daily if you wanted to. So let’s get into it…
What is Yuzu Tea
Yuzu tea (or yuja tea in Korean) is made from a marmalade of the yuzu fruit, a type of East Asian citrus fruit that resembles a small, bumpy yellow lemon. It is combined with sugar or honey and normally set aside for a few months until it becomes a beautifully intertwined and thick jelly, marmalade like mixture.
A spoonful of the sweetened yuja is often enjoyed with hot water to create a soothing, comforting yuzu tea.
You can eat the rind and all once the “marmalade” has infused for some time. You can also serve right away, but make enough to see the difference between that one that is fresh made versus the one that sits over time.
Known for its distinct taste and potential health benefits, yuzu tea holds a cherished place in Korean culinary and cultural traditions.
What is Yuzu and What are the Benefits of Yuzu
Yuja, also known as yuzu, is a type of citrus originating from China, now grown all over the world and mostly in Japan. While yuzu cannot be imported, it can be grown and is even grown in California, United States. Therefore, yuzu is accessible.
The taste is like a lemon with a little mandarin orange. It’s a tangy, sour, sweet, and zesty citrus with a strong aroma.
It’s possible yuzu tea benefits include rich vitamin content, immune system support, and potential antioxidant properties.
- Rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health
- Contains flavonoids, which may promote heart health and reduce inflammation
- Provides essential minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium
- Offers potential antioxidant properties that could contribute to overall well-being
Ingredients
Use equal parts 1:1 ratio of fruit to honey. Usually, I just use enough honey to fully submerge the yuja fruit very well.
- Yuja (yuzu fruit) – If you cannot find yuzu then you can use Meyer lemons.
- Honey – You can also use sugar.
Equipment
- Glass Jar – Use a storage jar that is glass and has an airtight lid.
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
Instructions
- Wash your yuzu fruit very well. Pat dry.
- Slice the yuzu very thinly with rind and all except the seeds. Discard the seeds and any loose fibers.
- Mix the thin sliced citrus with the honey in a jar and place in the refrigerator. While you can use the mixture right away, the longer it sits the better.
- I recommend making a large batch to last at least several months. The mixture will be a thick yuja marmalade that is infused with all the goodness of this superfood citrus fruit.
- Take a tablespoon and add hot water to make your yuzu tea.
Notes
- Do not directly heat your yuja (yuzu) and sugar mixture in hopes to speed the making of the marmalade. Allow the flavors to naturally infuse as to preserve the potential yuja tea benefits of the vitamins in the mixture.
- Preferably use fresh and organic produce for yuja tea mix.
- Use a glass jar for the best preserving of the mixture.
- When yuzu is not in reach, use organic Myer lemons.
Add Ins and Variations
- Add fresh, very thin sliced organic ginger.
- Use Meyer lemons if you cannot access yuzu.
- Add passionfruit or orange at the time of serving.
- Try with different kinds of honey.
- Make it a yuzu lemongrass tea, hot or cold.
How to Serve
Yuja tea can be made anytime of day and is especially comforting on a cool evening.
As a Summer drink, it is perfect iced. Add some brewed black tea if you would like to add a caffeine kick.
This yuzu tea marmalade can also be served mixed into ice cream, as a dessert topping, and added to other fruit drinks or hot teas.
So disconnect, enjoy the aroma, and savor the flavor of this simple, yet beautiful citron tea.
Classic YUZU TEA (Yuja Cha/ 유자차) 2 Ingredients Only Citron Tea
Equipment
- 1 Glass Jar Use a storage jar that is glass and has an airtight lid.
- 1 sharp knife
Ingredients
- 5 pieces Yuzu Fruit aka yuja fruit; If you cannot find yuja then you can use Meyer lemons.
- 1 cup Honey You can also use sugar with honey.
Instructions
- Wash your yuzu fruit very well. Pat dry.Slice the yuzu very thinly with rind and all except the seeds. Discard the seeds and any loose fibers.5 pieces Yuzu Fruit
- Mix the thin sliced citrus with the honey in a jar. Add enough honey to submerge the fruit and rinds.Place in the refrigerator. While you can use the mixture right away, the longer it sits the better. I recommend making a large batch to last at several months. The mixture will be a thick marmalade that is infused with all the goodness of this superfood citrus fruit.1 cup Honey
- Take a tablespoon to a mug and add hot water to make your yuja tea.
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