Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha)

My Korean grandma’s home remedy for the common cold: Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha)! This soothing hot drink is perfect for cozy evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s easy to make and filled with health benefits, thanks to the delightful blend of sweet apples, warming ginger, and aromatic cinnamon. Whether you enjoy it hot, cold, or at room temperature, this tea will surely become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting warmth: This tea offers a cozy way to warm up on chilly days.
• Easy to prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip it up.
• Health benefits: The combination of ginger and cinnamon supports digestion and boosts immunity.
• Versatile serving options: Enjoy it hot, chilled, or at room temperature based on your mood.
• Family-friendly: A delightful drink that both kids and adults will love.

Tools and Preparation

To make Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon smoothly, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help ensure that your preparation goes off without a hitch.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot or stock pot
• Fine mesh sieve
• Pitcher or mason jar
• Large spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot: Allows for quick cooking under pressure, saving time while enhancing flavors.
• Fine mesh sieve: Ensures a smooth tea by filtering out debris like apple pieces and spices.
• Pitcher or mason jar: Perfect for storing your delicious tea once it’s cooled down.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900 grams) Apples: Sweet, firm, preferably organic apples such as Gala, Fuji, Cortland, Ambrosia, or McIntosh.
• 10 cups water
• 2 Tbsp (25 grams) brown sugar
• 4 inch (55 grams) Ginger: Preferably organic.
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 tsp black peppercorns

How to Make Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha)

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

1. Wash apples thoroughly under running water.
2. Quarter and core the apples. You can leave the skin on for added nutrients.

Step 2: Cook in the Instant Pot

1. Add the chopped apples to your Instant Pot along with sliced ginger, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, black peppercorns, and 10 cups of water.
2. Lock the lid into place and cook on high pressure for 18 minutes.
3. Once done, manually release the steam.

Step 3: Cook on the Stove Top (if not using an Instant Pot)

1. In a stock pot, combine the prepared apples with sliced ginger, brown sugar, black peppercorns, and 10 cups of water.
2. Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Lower the heat and let it simmer covered until the apples are soft (about 30 minutes).
4. Keep covered off the heat for another 10 minutes to steep.

Step 4: Strain the Mixture

1. Place a fine mesh sieve over a pitcher or mason jar to catch any debris.
2. Slowly pour the apple tea through the sieve into the pitcher/jar to separate solids from liquid. Press gently on the apple pieces with a large spoon to release additional juices.

Step 5: Cool Down

1. Allow the strained tea to cool completely at room temperature.
2. Once cooled, transfer it to a tightly sealed pitcher or glass jar for storage.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Pour your freshly made Korean Apple Tea into a cup.
2. Enjoy it hot or chill it in the fridge for later use!

How to Serve Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha)

Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon, or Saegwa Cha, is a versatile beverage that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience with this comforting drink.

Warm and Cozy

• Serve the tea hot in your favorite mug for a soothing experience, especially on chilly days.

Iced Delight

• Pour the cooled apple tea over ice for a refreshing summer drink. Add a slice of apple for garnish.

With Honey Drizzle

• Enhance the sweetness by drizzling honey on top before serving. This adds extra flavor and health benefits.

Spiced Up

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an unexpected kick. This twist balances well with the sweetness of the apples.

Garnished with Mint

• Top your cup with fresh mint leaves for an aromatic finish that brightens the flavors.

How to Perfect Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha)

To make the best Korean Apple Tea, consider these helpful tips. They will elevate your brewing process and flavor profile.

• Choose ripe apples: Select sweet, firm apples like Fuji or Gala for the best flavor and texture in your tea.
• Use organic ingredients: Opt for organic ginger and cinnamon to ensure quality and maximize health benefits.
• Adjust sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of brown sugar based on your taste preference; you can even substitute it with honey.
• Experiment with spices: Try adding cloves or nutmeg for additional depth in flavor if desired.
• Strain well: Ensure you strain the tea thoroughly to achieve a smooth texture without any debris.
• Let it steep longer: For a stronger flavor, allow the tea to steep longer after cooking before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha)

Pairing side dishes with Saegwa Cha can enhance your overall tasting experience. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Rice Cakes: Chewy and subtly sweet rice cakes complement the warm flavors of apple tea beautifully.
2. Honeyed Nuts: A mix of almonds and walnuts glazed with honey offers a crunchy contrast to the smooth tea.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes bring out natural sweetness that harmonizes with apple tea’s flavors.
4. Savory Pancakes: Korean chijeok (savory pancakes) provide a salty balance alongside this sweet drink.
5. Sesame Cookies: Crunchy sesame cookies add texture alongside Saegwa Cha’s warmth.
6. Fried Plantains: Crispy plantains offer a delightful sweetness that pairs well with apple tea’s comforting nature.
7. Spiced Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad tossed in cinnamon can enhance the fruity notes of the tea.
8. Kimchi: For those who enjoy contrasting flavors, spicy kimchi provides an exciting combination when enjoyed alongside this sweet drink.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha) is simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the final product.

• Using the wrong apples: Selecting apples that are not sweet or firm may result in a less flavorful tea. Opt for sweet, firm varieties like Gala or Fuji for the best results.
• Skipping the ginger: Ginger is essential for that warming spice. Omitting it will reduce both flavor and health benefits. Always include fresh ginger for optimal taste.
• Not straining properly: Failing to strain the tea can lead to a gritty texture. Use a fine mesh sieve to filter out debris and ensure a smooth drink.
• Ignoring cooking time: Overcooking can make the apples mushy and alter the flavor. Stick to the recommended cooking times for the best outcome.
• Storing incorrectly: Storing your tea in non-airtight containers can lead to loss of freshness. Use airtight glass jars or pitchers to maintain flavor longer.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha) in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha)

• Pour cooled tea into ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Reheating Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha)

• Oven: Pour into an oven-safe pot and reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe mug for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Place in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha).

How long does Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha) last?

Korean Apple Tea can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I use different types of apples?

Yes! You can use other sweet apple varieties, but stick to firm ones for better flavor.

Is it possible to make this tea without ginger?

While you can make it without ginger, it significantly enhances both flavor and health benefits, so it’s recommended to include it.

Can I serve Korean Apple Tea cold?

Absolutely! This tea is delicious served hot or cold, making it versatile for any season.

What are the health benefits of this tea?

Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon offers soothing properties that may help alleviate cold symptoms while providing antioxidants from apples and anti-inflammatory benefits from ginger and cinnamon.

Final Thoughts

Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha) is not just a comforting drink; it’s also packed with health benefits. Its versatility allows you to enjoy it hot or cold, making it perfect year-round. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding honey or adjusting spices based on your preference. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!