Introduction

Omija (오미자) is the Korean name for the small red berries of Schisandra chinensis. The name literally means “five flavors,” because the fruit is said to taste sweet, sour, salty, bitter and pungent all at once. Omija-cheong (오미자청) is a syrup made by layering the fresh berries with sugar and letting them mellow for months. Diluted with cold water, it becomes a beautiful ruby-pink drink, and it is the traditional base for omija hwachae, a chilled Korean fruit punch. It belongs to the same family of Korean fruit syrups as maesil-cheong.

Omija-cheong at a Glance

What it is

• A sweet-tart Korean fruit syrup made from schisandra berries

Main ingredients

• Fresh omija berries and sugar, usually in about equal weights

Taste

• Sweet and sharply tart, with a slight bitter, spicy, almost salty finish

Main uses

• Omija-cha (tea), omija hwachae, ades and sparkling drinks, salad dressings, jellies

What is Omija-cheong Made Of?

Fresh omija berries are harvested in late summer to early autumn, washed, dried and packed into jars with sugar. Over several months the sugar draws out the juice, leaving a deep red syrup. You will find omija in a few forms:

• Omija-cheong: the sweet syrup, sold in bottles or made at home.
• Dried omija berries: shriveled dark-red berries used to cold-steep tea.
• Omija extract or concentrate: a thinner bottled drink base, sometimes less sweet.
• Omija tea granules or tea bags: instant versions for a quick cup.

What Does Omija-cheong Taste Like?

The first sip is sweet and very sour, a bit like cranberry or sour cherry. Then come subtle bitter, peppery and even faintly salty notes that make it more complex than a typical fruit syrup. Diluted with cold water or sparkling water, it is refreshing and not overly sweet. Hot water tends to bring out the bitterness, which is why omija drinks are usually served cold.

Popular Korean Dishes That Use Omija-cheong

Omija Hwachae

A chilled pink punch with thin slices of Korean pear, pine nuts and sometimes flower-shaped fruit.

Omija-cha

Omija tea, made by mixing the syrup with water or cold-steeping dried berries.

Omija Ade

Syrup topped with sparkling water and ice, a popular Korean café drink.

Omija Dressing and Jelly

A splash of syrup in vinaigrettes, or set with agar into a jewel-colored jelly dessert.

Easy Omija Hwachae Recipe (Serves 4)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup omija-cheong (adjust to taste)
• 3 cups cold water (or half water, half sparkling water)
• 1/2 Korean pear (or 1 crisp Asian pear)
• 1 tbsp pine nuts
• Ice cubes
• Optional: a few strawberries or apple slices

Instructions

1. Stir the omija-cheong into the cold water in a pitcher. Taste and add more syrup if you prefer it sweeter.
2. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
3. Peel the pear and cut it into thin slices. Use a small cookie cutter to make flower shapes if you like.
4. Pour the punch into a serving bowl or glasses, add the pear slices and ice, and float a few pine nuts on top.
5. Serve immediately, while very cold.

Tip: To use dried omija instead of syrup, soak 1/3 cup rinsed dried berries in 4 cups cold water in the fridge overnight, strain, then sweeten with honey or sugar. Do not boil them – heat makes the drink bitter.

Where to Buy Omija-cheong

United States

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Amazon
Search omija syrup on Amazon
Search dried omija berries on Amazon

H-Mart
Search omija on H-Mart

Canada

Search omija on Amazon.ca

Europe

Search omija on Amazon.co.uk

How to Store Omija-cheong

Keep opened omija-cheong tightly capped in the refrigerator and always use a clean, dry spoon; it keeps for many months thanks to its high sugar content. Store dried berries in an airtight container in a cool, dark place or in the freezer. Mixed omija drinks are best within 1–2 days.

Omija-cheong FAQ

What is omija in English?

Omija is schisandra berry, also called magnolia berry or five-flavor berry.

Can you drink omija tea hot?

You can mix the syrup with warm (not boiling) water, but most Koreans prefer it cold because heat brings out bitterness.

How much syrup should I use per glass?

Start with about 2 tablespoons per cup of water and adjust. Homemade syrups vary in sweetness.

Is omija safe for everyone?

As a food drink it is widely enjoyed in Korea. If you are pregnant or take regular medication, check with your doctor before consuming schisandra often, as you would with any herbal product.

Conclusion

Omija-cheong brings a striking color and a complex sweet-sour flavor to Korean drinks and desserts. Keep a bottle in the fridge for quick ades, or serve a bowl of omija hwachae at your next gathering. For more traditional Korean drinks, try sujeonggwa or yuja-cha.