Introduction

Yuja-cha (유자차) is Korean citron tea. Unlike most teas, it is not made from leaves. It comes as a thick, marmalade-like preserve of yuja fruit and sugar or honey, and you simply stir a spoonful into hot water.

Yuja-cha is one of Korea’s most popular winter drinks, loved for its bright citrus aroma and soothing warmth on cold days. Its jars have become a common Korean import in supermarkets around the world.

What is Yuja-cha Made Of?

Yuja (Citrus junos, also known as yuzu in Japanese) is a small, bumpy, very fragrant citrus fruit grown on Korea’s warm southern coast. Its flesh is sour and full of seeds, but its thick peel is highly aromatic. To make yuja-cha, the whole fruit, peel included, is thinly sliced and preserved in sugar or honey. Over time, the mixture becomes a sweet, jelly-like syrup full of tender peel.

• Yuja-cha with sugar – the most common jarred type
• Honey yuja-cha – made with honey for a rounder sweetness
• Single-serve sticks – individually packed portions, handy for work or travel

What Does Yuja-cha Taste Like?

Yuja-cha is sweet and tangy, with an intense citrus fragrance somewhere between lemon, grapefruit, and mandarin. The soft strips of peel add a slight, pleasant bitterness and a chewy texture.

Popular Korean Dishes That Use Yuja-cha

Hot Yuja Tea

The classic way to enjoy it: 1–2 heaping spoonfuls stirred into a mug of hot water.

Yuja Ade

Yuja-cha mixed with sparkling water and ice for a refreshing summer drink, popular at Korean cafes.

Yuja Salad Dressing

Yuja-cha whisked with vinegar and oil makes a bright, sweet citrus dressing for green salads.

Yuja Glaze for Meat and Seafood

A spoonful mixed with soy sauce makes a quick sweet citrus glaze for grilled chicken, pork, or salmon.

Easy Yuja Dressing Recipe (Serves 2–3)

A fresh citrus dressing for green salads, ready in 5 minutes.

Ingredients

• Mixed salad greens, sliced cucumber, and cherry tomatoes for 2–3 people

Dressing

• 2 tbsp yuja-cha (with some peel)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Chop the peel. Finely chop any large pieces of yuja peel so they spread evenly through the dressing.
2. Mix the dressing. Whisk the yuja-cha, vinegar, oil, and soy sauce in a small bowl until well combined. Stir in the sesame seeds.
3. Prepare the salad. Wash and dry the greens, and arrange them in a bowl with the cucumber and tomatoes.
4. Dress and serve. Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently.

Tip: The same dressing is great drizzled over grilled chicken or tofu. Make a double batch and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Where to Buy Yuja-cha

Yuja-cha is sold in glass jars at Korean and Asian grocery stores, and in many large supermarkets. Look for “citron tea,” “honey citron tea,” or “yuja tea.”

United States

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Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=korean+citron+tea+yuja

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

Canada

Amazon Canada
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=korean+citron+tea+yuja

Europe

Amazon UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=korean+citron+tea+yuja

How to Store Yuja-cha

Unopened jars can be kept in a cool, dark cupboard. After opening, close the lid tightly and keep the jar in the refrigerator. Always use a clean, dry spoon so moisture and crumbs do not get into the jar.

Conclusion

Yuja-cha is Korea’s fragrant citron tea in a jar. Enjoy it hot on a cold day, cold over ice in summer, or whisked into a quick citrus dressing for your salads.