Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha) Recipe
Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha) is a warm, soothing beverage made by simmering sweet apples with aromatic ginger, cinnamon sticks, and black peppercorns. This traditional Korean tea combines the natural sweetness of apples with the spicy warmth of ginger and cinnamon, making it a comforting drink perfect for any season. It can be prepared using an Instant Pot for convenience or on the stovetop for a more traditional approach.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Instant Pot and Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Fruits
- 2 lbs (900 grams) Apples (sweet, firm, preferably organic apples such as Gala, Fuji, Cortland, Ambrosia, or McIntosh)
Liquids
- 10 cups water
Sweeteners
- 2 Tbsp (25 grams) brown sugar
Spices & Aromatics
- 4 inch (55 grams) Ginger (preferably organic, sliced)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 tsp black peppercorns
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Wash the apples thoroughly. Quarter and core them without peeling, as the skin adds flavor and nutrition.
- Add ingredients to cooking vessel: For Instant Pot method, add the quartered apples, sliced ginger, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, peppercorns, and 10 cups of water into the Instant Pot. For stovetop method, place the same ingredients into a large stock pot.
- Cook the tea: If using Instant Pot, lock the lid in place and cook on high pressure for 18 minutes, then manually release the steam. If using stovetop, bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat and simmer covered until apples are soft and cinnamon sticks begin to uncurl, about 30 minutes; then remove from heat and steep, covered, for an additional 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea: Position a fine mesh sieve over a pitcher or jar and slowly pour the apple mixture, ensuring solids remain in the pot. Gently press the apples with the back of a spoon to extract juices without letting the solids pass through.
- Cool the tea: Allow the strained tea to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it into a tightly sealed pitcher or glass jar for storage.
- Serve and enjoy: Pour the apple tea into cups and enjoy it hot, cold, or at room temperature based on your preference.
Notes
- The apples do not need to be peeled; their skins add extra flavor and nutrients.
- Choosing sweet, firm apples like Fuji or Gala enhances the tea’s natural sweetness and body.
- You can adjust the amount of brown sugar depending on your sweetness preference.
- Steeping the tea after cooking helps deepen the flavors further.
- This tea can be stored refrigerated for up to 5 days in a tightly sealed container.
- For a spicier version, add more ginger or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
