Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha)
Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon, or Saegwa Cha, is a warm, soothing beverage that blends sweet apples with the zesty kick of ginger and the warm aroma of cinnamon. This delightful drink not only warms you on chilly days but also offers an array of health benefits, making it a perfect remedy for colds or simply a cozy treat to enjoy at home. Easy to prepare using just a handful of ingredients, this tea can be served hot for maximum comfort or chilled for a refreshing twist. Whether you’re reminiscing about family traditions or looking to boost your immune system, this homemade apple infusion is sure to become a favorite in your household.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Instant Pot/Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900 grams) sweet apples (Gala, Fuji, etc.)
- 10 cups water
- 2 Tbsp (25 grams) brown sugar
- 4 inches (55 grams) fresh ginger, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 tsp black peppercorns
Instructions
- Wash and quarter the apples; core them without peeling.
- Instant Pot Method: Combine apples, ginger, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, peppercorns, and water in the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 18 minutes. Manually release steam when done.
- Stovetop Method: In a stock pot, bring all ingredients to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to low and simmer covered for 30 minutes. Let steep off heat for an additional 10 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher or jar; press down on solids to extract more juice.
- Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 3mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Choose firm, sweet apple varieties for the best flavor. Adjust the amount of ginger and cinnamon based on your preference. Serve warm or chilled; sweeten with honey if desired.