Traditional Korean Jujube Tea Recipe: How to Make Daechu Cha (대추차)”
Korean Jujube Tea, Daechu Cha 대추차 represents one of Korea’s most cherished traditional teas, where dried jujubes (Korean dates) are gently simmered to create a naturally sweet, warming beverage with deep cultural roots in Korean wellness practices. In Korean traditional medicine, jujube tea has long been valued for its calming properties and ability to promote good sleep and digestion. This healing tea exemplifies the Korean philosophy that food and medicine are one and the same – a principle known as ‘yak sik dong won’ (약식동원).
What makes Korean Jujube Tea particularly special is its ability to offer comfort through both its flavor and its preparation process. The gentle simmering of jujubes fills the home with a sweet, honeyed aroma that signals care and nurturing. Unlike many other Korean teas that require complex preparations, jujube tea’s simplicity makes it accessible while still maintaining its therapeutic reputation. The natural sweetness of jujubes means no additional sweetener is needed, creating a pure expression of the fruit’s essence.
In modern Korean culture, Korean Jujube Tea continues to be valued both for its traditional medicinal properties and as a comforting everyday beverage. Whether served hot during cold winter months or chilled during summer, this versatile tea bridges traditional wellness practices with contemporary lifestyle needs. Its popularity has grown internationally as people discover its gentle sweetness and reported health benefits.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally sweet without added sugars
- Calming and soothing
- Rich in antioxidants
- Easy to prepare
- Can be served hot or cold
- Caffeine-free
What is Daechu Cha?
Daechu cha (대추차) is a traditional Korean tea made from dried jujubes (Korean dates). These dried fruits are simmered in water to extract their natural sweetness and beneficial compounds, creating a honey-colored tea with a subtle fruity flavor.
Equipment
- Instant Pot pressure cooker optional
Ingredients
- 15 dried jujubes (daechu)
- 4 cups water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 ginger
- pine nuts for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the dried jujubes in cold water.
- Slice jujubes open and remove pit
- Place jujubes, ginger, cinnamon, and water in a medium pot.
- Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 60 minutes.– If using an instant pot, set to high pressure for 20minutes then manual release.
- Remove ginger and cinnamon then pour into a blender and blend on high for 30 seconds.
- Strain the tea into cups or a teapot using a fine mesh strainer.
- Garnish with pine nuts or chopped walnuts.
Nutrition
Recipe Tips
- Choose plump, high-quality dried jujubes
- Don’t overboil as it can make the tea cloudy
- Save the cooked jujubes for snacking
- Adjust water ratio to preferred strength
- Store jujubes in an airtight container
Serving Suggestions
Serve:
- Hot during cold weather
- Chilled during summer
- As a caffeine-free alternative to coffee
- Before bedtime for better sleep
- With Korean desserts
Variations
- Add cinnamon stick
- Include dried goji berries
- Add honey for extra sweetness
- Include Korean red dates
- Add chrysanthemum flowers
Health Benefits
Traditional Korean medicine attributes these properties to jujube tea:
- Promotes better sleep
- Aids digestion
- Reduces stress
- Boosts immune system
- Improves circulation
Note: These are traditional claims; consult healthcare providers for medical advice.
Storage
- Store brewed tea in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently on stovetop or enjoy cold
- Store unused dried jujubes in an airtight container in a cool, dry place
My Essential Korean Pantry contains several of these ingredients, specifically:
– Jujube Dates
Can be made on the stove too!