🇰🇷 South Korea · Drinks
Yuja-cha (Citron Tea)
By eatmundo · July 12, 2026
Yuja-cha is a fragrant, citrusy tea made from preserved citron marmalade. It is an absolute favorite during winter for its high vitamin C content and uplifting aroma.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Heat 250ml of water in a kettle until it reaches a gentle simmer, not boiling.
- 2
Place 3 tablespoons of yuja-cheong (preserved citron marmalade) into a pre-warmed mug.
- 3
Pour the hot water directly over the citron marmalade in the mug.
- 4
Stir thoroughly with a long spoon until all the marmalade is fully dissolved.
- 5
Check the consistency; add a splash more water if you prefer it less concentrated.
- 6
Let the tea sit for one minute so the rind strips soften and release their oils.
- 7
Top with 5 raw pine nuts to add a delicate nutty crunch to every sip.
- 8
Serve immediately, making sure to eat the citrus peel at the bottom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I peel the citron before slicing it for tea?+
No, you should slice the entire citron thinly, including the peel, as the rind contains the essential oils and flavor that define the tea.
What is the correct ratio of citron to sugar for making the base?+
The standard ratio is 1:1 by weight, which helps preserve the citron properly while creating a thick, syrupy consistency for the tea.
How long should the citron mixture sit before I can use it?+
You should let the citron and sugar mixture marinate in a sterilized jar for at least 3 to 7 days in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to fully develop.
What is the purpose of adding pine nuts to the finished tea?+
Pine nuts add a nutty aroma and texture that balances the intense citrus tartness and provides a traditional aesthetic finish.
Mundo Match
This dish doesn't have a strong Mundo Match yet — but here's the closest ingredient overlap we found across the world's cuisines.
