The World Of Korean Tea
Nokcha (Green tea)
Nokcha (), or green tea, is made from tea leaves that have been dried to retain their green color. It is one of the most frequently enjoyed beverages both at home and in teahouses, and is readily available in grocery stores. Nokcha is a light delicious beverage that can be served hot or cold. Special nokcha teabags are even available for a refreshing cold green tea drink in the summer. The best temperature for brewing nokcha is between 60~68, ideal for retaining all the properties beneficial to health. Korean people use nokcha to enhance the green color of vegetables and to neutralize fish or meat odors. As to its medicinal effects, the catechin in green tea helps prevent food poisoning and geriatric diseases. Nokcha is widely used in cookies, cakes, bingsu (a shaved ice dessert), and ice creams to enhance both flavor and color. People also use green tea for aesthetic purposes: water infused with green tea is used for bathing, while yogurt mixed with green tea powder is often applied as a facial pack.
The tea culture in Korea was widely influenced by Buddhism and Taoism, leading to the development of Suyangdado, the performing of tea ceremonies as a way of cultivating the mind. Tea was thought to soothe the mind and create a peaceful atmosphere. Korea has long been referred to as Geumsugangsan, meaning silken tapestry of rivers and mountains, and was known as a country flowing with water, a perfect backdrop for the fulfillment of the ancient teaching that says good tea requires good water. The best-known tea production regions in Korea are Boseong in Jeollanam-do, Jeju-do, and Hadong in Gyeongsangnam-do, each of which annually holds a green festival.
Medicinal Tea
Saenggangcha (, Ginger tea)
For thousands of years ginger has been a key ingredient in dishes served throughout the world. In addition to its delicious flavor and culinary importance, the spice has great medicinal value. Ginger is believed to warm the body, ease symptoms related to fatigue and help absorb other medicinal compounds while neutralizing toxicity in the body. Saenggangcha is often taken at the first sign of a cold to prevent symptoms from getting worse, especially chills or fevers. Its no wonder that this beverage has long since been a mainstay among Korean home remedies.
* Recipe: Thinly slice fresh gingerroot and marinate in sugar or honey. Add a spoonful of the mixture to hot water and stir. Or, just simply boil ginger and honey in a pot of hot water. Pour and enjoy.
Insamcha (, Ginseng tea)
Korean ginseng is globally known for its health benefits. Ginseng tea stimulates the appetite, and prevents fatigue, nervous disorders, and diabetes. In spite of being known as an appetite stimulant, it is also highly valued as a dietary supplement because of its reputation as a natural energy booster. There is a mistaken belief that people who tend to have a higher body
