Description
Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha) is a warming, naturally sweetened Korean fruit tea featuring apples, ginger, and cinnamon. Simple to make either on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot, this comforting drink bursts with fruity, spicy flavors and can be served hot or cold. It’s perfect for chilly days, soothing for sore throats, and a lovely caffeine-free alternative to traditional tea.
Ingredients
Produce
- 2 lbs (900 grams) apples (sweet, firm, preferably organic apples such as Gala, Fuji, Cortland, Ambrosia, or McIntosh)
- 4 inch (55 grams) ginger (preferably organic, sliced)
Pantry Staples
- 2 Tbsp (25 grams) brown sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 tsp black peppercorns
Liquids
- 10 cups water
Instructions
- Prepare the apples and ginger: Wash the apples thoroughly, then quarter and core them. There’s no need to peel. Slice the ginger into several pieces.
- Combine ingredients: Place the apples, sliced ginger, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, black peppercorns, and 10 cups water into your Instant Pot or stockpot, depending on your chosen cooking method.
- Cook (Instant Pot method): Lock the lid onto the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 18 minutes. When finished, manually release the steam. Carefully remove the insert and let cool briefly.
- Cook (Stovetop method): Cover the stockpot and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer (covered) until apples are soft and cinnamon sticks have uncurled, about 30 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep, still covered, for another 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea: Place a fine mesh sieve over a pitcher or mason jar. Pour the apple tea slowly through the sieve, keeping the apples and cinnamon sticks in the pot. Periodically press the apples with the back of a large spoon to extract more juices.
- Cool and store: Allow the strained tea to cool completely at room temperature. Transfer to a tightly sealed pitcher or jar for storage.
- Serve: Pour into cups and enjoy hot, cold, or at room temperature as desired.
Notes
- Halve the recipe: The recipe makes about 10 cups, but can easily be halved for a smaller batch.
- Adjust sweetness: The apples provide natural sweetness; the added brown sugar is subtle. Adjust sugar level to taste, or omit for a less sweet tea.
- Variations: Substitute pears for apples, or use both for a unique flavor. Swap black peppercorns for 1/4 tsp cloves for a mulled cider aroma. Use honey instead of brown sugar for a slightly different taste.
- Enjoy as a soothing, caffeine-free drink for any time of day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 63
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.04g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 0.4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
