Introduction

Maesil-cheong (매실청) is a Korean syrup made from green plums (maesil) and sugar. It is sweet, sour, and fruity, and many Korean households keep a jar of it in the kitchen.

Maesil-cheong is used two ways: as a refreshing drink mixed with water, and as a cooking ingredient that adds a gentle sweet-tart flavor to sauces, dressings, and marinades. Many families still make their own each early summer when green plums are in season.

What is Maesil-cheong Made Of?

Maesil is the fruit of Prunus mume, often called Korean green plum or Asian apricot. To make maesil-cheong, the green fruits are layered with roughly equal weights of sugar and left for several months. The sugar draws out the fruit juices, which become a thick, amber syrup. The fruit is then removed and the syrup is strained.

• Maesil-cheong (syrup) – the most common form, sold in bottles
• Maesil concentrate drinks – ready-to-dilute or ready-to-drink plum beverages
• Maesil jangajji – green plum flesh pickled in sugar or soy sauce as a side dish

What Does Maesil-cheong Taste Like?

Maesil-cheong tastes sweet first, then pleasantly sour, with a fruity, slightly floral aroma similar to apricot. Undiluted it is very sweet, so it is always mixed with water or used in small amounts in cooking.

Popular Korean Dishes That Use Maesil-cheong

Maesil-cha (Plum Tea)

A spoonful of syrup stirred into hot water. Many Koreans drink it after a heavy meal.

Chogochujang and Dipping Sauces

Maesil-cheong is often added to sweet and sour chili sauces and soy dipping sauces for a fruity tang.

Namul and Muchim

Seasoned vegetable side dishes, such as cucumber or radish muchim, often use maesil-cheong in place of sugar.

Meat Marinades

Some home cooks add a little to bulgogi or pork marinades for a gentle sweetness and tang.

Easy Maesil Ade Recipe (Serves 2)

A sparkling green plum drink that takes 3 minutes to make.

Ingredients

• 4–6 tbsp maesil-cheong
• 2 cups (480 ml) cold sparkling water
• Ice cubes
• A few lemon slices and mint leaves (optional)

Instructions

1. Add the syrup. Spoon 2–3 tbsp maesil-cheong into each glass.
2. Add a splash of water. Pour in a little sparkling water and stir until the syrup dissolves.
3. Add ice. Fill the glasses with ice cubes.
4. Top up. Pour in the rest of the sparkling water and stir gently.
5. Garnish and serve. Add lemon slices and mint if you like, taste, and adjust the sweetness with more syrup.

Tip: For a winter version, stir 2 tbsp maesil-cheong into a mug of hot water to make maesil-cha.

Where to Buy Maesil-cheong

Maesil-cheong is sold in glass or plastic bottles at Korean grocery stores, usually near the teas and syrups. Look for “green plum syrup,” “plum extract,” or “maesil.”

United States

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Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=korean+green+plum+syrup+maesil

H-Mart
https://www.hmart.com/search?type=product&q=plum syrup

Canada

Amazon Canada
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=korean+green+plum+syrup+maesil

Europe

Amazon UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=korean+green+plum+syrup+maesil

How to Store Maesil-cheong

Unopened bottles can be kept in a cool, dark place. After opening, close the cap tightly and refrigerate, and always use a clean, dry spoon. Thanks to its high sugar content, it keeps for a long time, but discard it if you see mold or notice an alcoholic, off smell.

Conclusion

Maesil-cheong is Korea’s sweet and tangy green plum syrup. Mix it into sparkling water for a refreshing ade, sip it hot as tea, or use a spoonful to brighten sauces and side dishes.