06th April 2022, New Delhi: Celebrating the occasion of World Health Day, Korean cultural Center India for creating awareness towards health by maintaining good and healthy food consumption habits organized Korean traditional tea and food experience event.
The cultural similarity between India and Korea is no more unknown, but what brings them even closer is their love for tea and food. In Korean culture, it is more than just sipping tea, but an experience that calms all five human senses. It is significant to note that Korean teas are used as a means to meditate and as a way of reducing stress levels and improving overall mental and physical health. Korean tea is considered as one of the most healthy tea as it is usually made with a variety of fruits, flowers, leaves, grains and roots diversifying flavors and tastes which has many health benefits. The tea culture in Korea is usually accompanied with traditional Korean snacks and desserts. Some of the most common desserts are Yakgwa, Tteok, Dasik, Gangjeong etc. Mostly made with glutinous rice, honey, and spices, these Korean desserts are equally flavorful and healthy. And food is seen as more than just a means of survival both in Korea and India, it is something that people of both the countries bond upon.
The three teas which were prepared and presented today at the event were:
1) Omija Cha (오미자차)
Omija-cha or magnolia berry tea is a traditional Korean tea made from dried magnolia berries—omija in Korean. Omija means “five flavors”, which are sweetness, sourness, bitterness, saltiness, and pungency.
Benefits: Omija cha helps in improving kidney and liver function, it is also good for blood circulation and it increases resistance to disease and stress.
2) Daechu Cha (대추차)
Daechu-cha is a traditional Korean tea made from jujubes. The tea is deep ruby-brown to rich dark maroon in color and is abundant in iron, potassium, and vitamins B and C.
Benefits: Daechu cha has antioxidant properties to protect from cancer, and plenty of vitamin C and calcium. They help fight depression, circulate blood, and strengthen teeth and bones.
3) Yuja cha (유자차)
Yuja tea is made from the yuja fruit, which is commonly known outside of Korea as yuzu. Yuja does not contain much juice, unlike other citrus fruits.
Benefits: Yuja tea is well known for its health benefits. It is said to have more vitamin C than raw lemon juice. The vitamin C in yuja tea helps the immune system to fight against infections and other diseases/illnesses.
Other popular teas worth trying includes: Chrysanthemum tea, Green tea, Barley tea, Ginseng tea etc.
Article by Hang Il-Yong
