Learn how to make omija tea! It’s a popular summer drink in Korea.

The other day I ventured out to the largest Korean grocery store in my city, which is 40 mins drive each way. Still, it’s nothing like Hmart in the US by comparison, but I do need to go there from time to time because my local Korean grocery store doesn’t stock much variety of Korean ingredients.

On this occasion, I spotted some dried omija. These lovely, bright, dried red berries immediately grabbed my attention. Aren’t they just gorgeous? Also, I had never tasted them before, so I was quite keen to try them out.

What is Omija?

Omija (오미자, 五味子) in Korean literally means “five flavor berries”. That’s because these berries give five different flavors namely, sourness, sweetness, bitterness, pungentness, and saltiness.

Ironically though, because of these complex flavors, not everyone appreciates the taste of omija on its own! You’re bound to make a funny face afterwards! Lol.

Anyway, in other cultures, omija is known as schisandra berry, schizandra berry and magnolia berry.

Omija is commonly used in making tea – omija tea (omija cha, 오미자 차, also known as schisandra tea or schizandra tea), in making fruit punch or alcoholic beverages. – Don’t forget to check my sparkling strawberry punch with schisandra berry!

Benefits of Omija

Omija is also commonly used in oriental medicine.

Because, it is known to

improve kidney and liver function
be good for blood circulation
increase resistance to disease and stress
beautify skin

There are more benefits (as well as side affects) that I did not mention here. So, if you want, you can read about it from here. Finally, these are written for your information only. If you want to use it for health and medicinal purposes, please talk with your health / medical professionals.

Anyway, making omija tea is quite simple and straight forward. So, I hope you give this a try soon!

P.S. I will share a good fruit punch recipe using omija in the next few weeks, so stay tuned!

P.P.S. If you like Korean tea, check out these recipes! Korean Barley Tea and Korean Plum Tea.

Ingredients for Omija Tea

10 g / 0.35 ounces dried schisandra berry
1 L / 1 quart water
(Optional) honey or sugar, to taste
(Optional) Korean / Asian pear, peeled and flesh carved into flower shape

How to Make Omija Tea

Steep the dried omija in cold water overnight. Strain the berries and discard them (keeping the liquid). Add some honey or sugar if preferred. Optionally, you can also add some Korean / Asian pear pieces. Serve. (You can refrigerate the tea then serve cold too.)

Note

Essentially, each omija tea comes with instructions on the package, so follow what the package says. Though, I read that when omija is boiled or brewed in hot water, it will bring out the sourness and bitterness too much. So it is highly recommended that you brew omija in cold water.