🇰🇷 South Korea · Drinks
Omijacha (Korean Five-Flavor Berry Tea)
By eatmundo · July 9, 2026
Omijacha is a unique Korean traditional tea made from dried omija (schisandra) berries, known for embodying all five fundamental flavors: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and pungent. This beautiful reddish-pink tea is often enjoyed chilled, offering a complex and invigorating taste experience that is both refreshing and subtly medicinal.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Prepare Omija Berries: Rinse 1/4 cup (30g) of dried omija berries quickly under cold running water to remove any dust. Be gentle and brief, as prolonged washing can diminish their vibrant color and flavor.
- 2
Cold Steep the Berries: Place the rinsed omija berries in a large non-reactive pitcher or glass jar. Add 6 cups (1.5 Liters) of cold water. Using cold water is key to extracting the delicate flavors and maintaining the beautiful reddish-pink hue without bitterness.
- 3
Infuse for Flavor: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 6-8 hours, or ideally overnight. You'll notice the water gradually turning a lovely red-pink color as the five distinctive flavors (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent) infuse into the water.
- 4
Strain the Tea: Once sufficiently infused, carefully strain the omijacha through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pitcher or bowl, discarding the spent omija berries. Avoid pressing the berries, as this can release bitter notes.
- 5
Sweeten to Taste (Optional): Taste the omijacha. If desired, stir in 2-4 tablespoons of sugar until dissolved. Start with a smaller amount and add more gradually until it reaches your preferred level of sweetness. Maple syrup or honey can also be used.
- 6
Chill Further and Garnish: Return the sweetened omijacha to the refrigerator to chill thoroughly if it has warmed up. Serve cold in small glasses, garnished with a few pine nuts and a thin slice of Korean pear, if available, for an extra touch of elegance and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my omijacha bitter?+
The most common reason for bitterness is using hot water for steeping, or over-steeping the berries for too long (e.g., more than 24 hours). Always use cold water and stick to the recommended steeping time for a balanced flavor.
Where can I find omija berries?+
Dried omija berries can typically be found at Korean grocery stores, specialized Asian markets, or online retailers. Look for berries that are plump and vibrant in color.
Can I make omijacha with fresh omija berries?+
Yes, if you have access to fresh omija, you can bruise them lightly and steep them in cold water similar to dried ones. However, dried berries are more commonly used for teas due to their availability and concentrated flavor.
What does "five-flavor berry" mean?+
Omija literally means "five flavors" (오 - o, meaning five; 미 - mi, meaning flavor; 자 - ja, meaning berry). These berries are unique for possessing all five basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and pungent, creating a complex and intriguing palate.
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