Refreshing and Soothing Homemade Citron Tea Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 large citrons
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 4 cups of water
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • 4 tea bags (green or black tea)

Steps and instructions

  1. First, thoroughly wash the citrons and slice them into thin slices.
  2. Place the sliced citrons in a large bowl and sprinkle the sugar over them.
  3. Let the citrons and sugar sit for about an hour until the sugar is completely dissolved and the citrons have released their juice.
  4. Meanwhile, bring the water to a boil in a pot. Once boiling, remove from heat and add the tea bags. Let them steep for 5 minutes, then discard the tea bags.
  5. Add the citron and sugar mixture into the pot with the tea.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in the honey.
  8. Let the tea cool completely, then pour it into a glass jar and refrigerate.
  9. Serve your citron tea cold over ice or warmed up, as preferred.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Add a cinnamon stick or a few slices of ginger for additional flavor.
  • Replace the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a healthier alternative.
  • Use different types of citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, or grapefruits instead of citrons.
  • Add a splash of lemon or lime juice for a tangier taste.
  • Experiment with different types of tea blends like herbal tea or fruit tea.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm and comforting flavor.
  • Add a few drops of vanilla extract for a subtle vanilla flavor.
  • Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar depending on your preference.
  • Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a slice of citrus fruit for a visually appealing presentation.
  • For a sparkling version, add some carbonated water or soda to the chilled tea.

Recipe overview

Citron tea is a refreshing, sweet and tangy beverage that's perfect for any time of the day. This recipe is simple and easy to follow, and uses a blend of citrons, sugar, honey and tea to create a drink that's packed full of flavor. The result is a tea that's both soothing and invigorating, with the unique citrusy flavor of the citrons beautifully balanced by the sweetness of the sugar and honey. Whether you prefer your tea hot or cold, this citron tea recipe is one you'll definitely want to try.

Common questions

  1. Can I use lemons instead of citrons? No, citrons have a unique flavor and aroma that is essential for this recipe. It won't be the same with lemons.
  2. Can I use a different type of tea? Yes, you can use either green tea or black tea for this recipe.
  3. Can I reduce the amount of sugar? Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste. However, keep in mind that citron tea is traditionally sweet.
  4. Can I store the citron tea at room temperature? It is recommended to store the citron tea in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and flavor.
  5. How long can I store the citron tea? The citron tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  6. Can I add additional spices or herbs? While the traditional recipe doesn't call for additional spices or herbs, you can experiment by adding a pinch of cinnamon or ginger if desired.
  7. Can I strain the tea before serving? Straining the tea is optional. Some people prefer to have small pieces of citron in their tea, while others prefer a smoother texture. You can strain it if you prefer a clearer tea.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Citron tea, also known as "yujacha" in Korean, is a traditional tea that has been enjoyed in Korea for centuries. It is often used as a herbal remedy for colds and flu due to its high vitamin C content. The citron, a fruit that resembles a lemon but with a more fragrant aroma and a less tart flavor, is considered a treasure in Korean cuisine for its unique taste and health benefits. Interestingly, the citron used in this tea is not only the juice; the rind and even a bit of the pith is preserved in sugar to create a marmalade-like mixture, which is then mixed with hot water to create the tea. This method of preparation allows the tea to capture the full range of flavors and health benefits from the citron fruit.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.