Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha) Recipe
Experience the comforting warmth of Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha), a traditional herbal beverage made from fresh apples, aromatic ginger, cinnamon sticks, and black peppercorns. This soothing tea offers a naturally sweet and mildly spiced drink perfect for relaxing moments, enjoyed hot or cold.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes (Instant Pot) or 40 minutes (Stovetop including steeping)
- Total Time: 28 minutes (Instant Pot) or 50 minutes (Stovetop)
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Tea Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900 grams) Sweet, firm apples (such as Gala, Fuji, Cortland, Ambrosia, or McIntosh), washed, quartered, and cored (no need to peel)
- 10 cups water
- 2 tablespoons (25 grams) brown sugar
- 4 inch (55 grams) fresh ginger, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 teaspoons black peppercorns
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Thoroughly wash the apples, then quarter and core them. Peeling is not necessary as the skins contribute flavor and nutrients to the tea.
- Cooking in Instant Pot: Place the apples, sliced ginger, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, black peppercorns, and 10 cups of water into the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 18 minutes. After cooking, manually release the steam carefully, then remove the insert and allow the mixture to cool briefly.
- Cooking on Stove Top: Alternatively, combine the apples, sliced ginger, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, black peppercorns, and water in a stock pot. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer (keep covered) for about 30 minutes until apples are soft and cinnamon sticks slightly curl. Remove from heat and steep covered for an additional 10 minutes.
- Strain the Tea: Position a fine mesh sieve over a pitcher or large jar. Carefully pour the cooked mixture through the sieve to separate the liquid from the solids. Occasionally press the apples gently with the back of a spoon to release more juice. Handle carefully as the contents will be hot and soft.
- Cool and Store: Allow the strained apple tea to cool to room temperature. Transfer into a sealed pitcher or glass jar and refrigerate if not serving immediately.
- Serve and Enjoy: Pour the apple tea into cups and enjoy it hot, cold, or at room temperature as a comforting beverage anytime.
Notes
- Use organic apples and ginger for the best natural flavor and health benefits.
- The tea can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat or serve chilled as desired.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar according to your preferred sweetness level.
- The black peppercorns add a subtle heat and depth to the tea; omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
- The recipe can be doubled or halved depending on the serving needs.
- Do not peel the apples as the skin enhances flavor and adds nutrients to the tea.
Keywords: Korean apple tea, Saegwa Cha, apple herbal tea, ginger cinnamon tea, traditional Korean beverage, healthy warm drink, apple tea recipe