Food

Korean Citron Tea Health Benefits: Why I Love It

8:08 PM

Citron tea in a transparent cup


What is Citron tea?

Honey Citron tea, or simply Citron tea, is a traditional tea in Korea. It's a mixture of water, sugar, and the fruit Yuja or Yuzu (citrus family). It's also known as Korean Yuja tea or Yuja-cha. 

Citron tea is a favorite, especially during the cold season. It is popular not only for its sweet taste but also for its health benefits. 

Which is why it's my go-to drink whenever I feel like coming down with a cold or flu.

Health benefits of Citron tea

  1. Relieves sore throat and cough.
  2. Treats common cold.
  3. Increases blood circulation.
  4. Suppresses fever.
  5. Enhances skin complexion.
  6. Helps balance hormones.
  7. Good anti-aging as it's rich in antioxidants.
  8. Full of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system.
  9. Believes in helping protect from viral and bacterial infection.

Before I read about Citron tea's benefits, I experienced it firsthand, so I highly recommend it. I'll never forget that day I discovered Korean Citron tea.


Why I love Citron Tea

Every inch of my body was aching. 

Every move was painful. I was weak and lethargic.

Heat was coming out of my eyes.

You know that unpleasant feeling when fever is about to set in? I was feeling that.

But I didn't want to miss the reunion with my high school friends.

After we caught up with what was going on in our lives over sumptuous lunch, we decided to wind down in a new posh Korean coffee shop nearby.

I ordered their tea that was advertised as Tea full of Vitamin C. 

Jennifer Aniston looking thoughtful gif
Giphy


I ordered the smallest size. I took one sip, and that’s the start of my love story with Citron tea

It was love at first sip.

I've never had tea like that before. And I've tried a LOT.

Sweet. Aromatic. Comforting. 

Citron tea is like a warm hug in the chilly weather.

It soothed my dry throat.

When I was on my way home I felt...normal again.

An effect I didn't expect to happen right away. Despite the promise that it's full of vitamin C.

Me in the coffee shop before I started buying Citron tea by the jar


No more heaviness in my joints. My headache was gone. No more heat coming out of my eyes.

What’s in that cup?! It's like magic!

Apparently, they weren’t kidding around when they said it's a tea full of vitamin C

It only took that one small cup to kick my symptoms away. 

Now, every time I feel like I’m going down with a fever or cold, I make myself a cup of citron tea. 

For me, one cup of citron tea keeps the doctor away.


Citron tea dumaguete
On one of our trips last 2018

FAQs about Citron tea

How often should you drink Citron tea?

You can drink Citron tea once a day. It could be quite addicting, though, especially if you love sweets. I drink it 2-3 times a day when I'm feeling under the weather. Go easy on the amount, especially if you have a high sugar level. Too much could also give you a sore throat. 

When is the best time to drink Citron tea?

You can drink Citron tea whenever you want. I recommend drinking it hot during rainy or cold weather. 

Directions in preparing Citron tea?

Add 2-3 teaspoonfuls into a cup of water. Stir. Serve hot or cold.

Do you need to refrigerate Citron tea?

You may store the unopened bottle on a shelf. Refrigerate after opening.

Can you drink Citron tea every day?

Yes, you may. But if you are diabetic, you may want to avoid it as it's high in sugar and/or honey. It will help if you consult your doctor first.

Is Citron tea good for weight loss?

Citron is a good source of soluble fiber. As such, it helps lower cholesterol and improves digestion which could help in weight loss.

How much is Citron tea?

The price of Citron tea depends on the brand, variety (with ginger or none), and where you'll buy it. As of this writing, Korean Citron tea ranges from $10 to $60. Price based on Shopee and Amazon.

How to make Citron tea?

If you want to make your own Citron tea at home, here's an easy recipe from doomandoo두만두:

Ingredients:

  • 2 kg citron
  • 2 kg sugar
  • 50 g baking soda
  • 1 T vinegar
  1. Rub yuzu with baking soda to remove impurities.
  2. Add water and vinegar to the citron soaked in baking soda and let stand for 30 minutes.
  3. Rinse with water.
  4. Wipe the water on the citron and dry it with a dishcloth.
  5. Divide the citron horizontally into two and remove the seeds with a fork.
  6. Separate the skin and flesh.
  7. Chop the skin finely.
  8. Cut the pulp finely with scissors.
  9. Weigh the skin and flesh and prepare sugar in the same amount.
  10. Add sugar to the peel and mix well.
  11. Put the pulp in the skin and add sugar, and mix.
  12. Put it in a bottle sterilized in hot water. Store at room temperature for 3 days.
Here's her calming ASMR video preparing Citron tea.
 

Citron tea can also be used as marmalade because of its consistency and taste.

How about you? What's your favorite tea, and why do you love it? 



This post contains affiliate links, so we get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost to you. Thanks in advance!

Wait! I've got more stories for you...

0 comments

Trouble posting your comment in the box below? Please comment here instead.