Baesuk facts for kids
| Baesuk | |
Baesuk being served with a variety of tteok, Korean rice cake
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Quick facts for kids Korean name |
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| Hangul |
배숙 / 이숙
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| Hanja | |
| Revised Romanization | baesuk / isuk |
| McCune–Reischauer | paesuk / isuk |
Baesuk (pronounced "bay-sook") is a yummy Korean fruit punch. It's a type of hwachae, which means traditional Korean drinks. Baesuk is made with bae (that's Korean pear), black peppercorns, ginger, and a little bit of honey or sugar, all mixed with water.
History of Baesuk
Baesuk has a special history! Long ago, it was a fancy drink served only in the royal palaces of Korea. This meant that regular people didn't get to enjoy it until the middle of the 1900s.
The name Baesuk literally means "cooked pear" in Korean. It's also sometimes called isuk, which means the same thing. When making Baesuk, a pear is usually peeled and cut into pieces. Then, tiny black peppercorns are often poked into each piece.
If a whole pear is cooked without slicing, it has a different name: hyangseolgo. For this version, a special kind of pear called munbae is used. These pears are a bit sour and firm.
How to Make Baesuk
Making Baesuk is quite simple! First, the pear pieces are gently cooked. They simmer with slices of ginger and either sugar or honey over low heat. This continues until the pears become soft and tender.
Once the pears are cooked, the ginger slices are taken out. The mixture is then cooled down in a cold place, like a refrigerator. When it's ready, the Baesuk is poured into a glass bowl. It's often decorated with a sprinkle of ground pine nuts on top.
Sometimes, a dash of yujajeub (that's yuzu juice) is added for extra flavor. Baesuk is usually a seasonal drink, enjoyed cold, especially in the summer. However, you can also drink it warm if you prefer!
When to Enjoy Baesuk
Baesuk is a popular drink during the summer months in Korea. It's also a favorite during Chuseok, which is the Korean Mid-Autumn Festival. This holiday is a time for families to gather and celebrate.
Many people think of Baesuk as a classic Korean drink, just like sujeonggwa (a persimmon punch). Because their recipes are similar, Baesuk is sometimes even called "baesujeonggwa."
Baesuk is often served as a dessert because of its sweet and refreshing taste. It's also thought to be a good home remedy for the common cold. People in South Korea love Baesuk because it's not too sweet and easy to make.
See also
In Spanish: Baesuk para niños
