Mogwa-cha facts for kids
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| Type | Herbal tea |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Korea |
| Ingredients | Mogwa-cheong (preserved quince), dried quince, or powdered dried quince |
| Korean name | |
| Hangul |
모과차
|
|---|---|
| Hanja |
(*木)瓜茶
|
| Revised Romanization | mogwa-cha |
| McCune–Reischauer | mogwa-ch'a |
| IPA | [mo.ɡwa.tɕʰa] |
Mogwa-cha (Hangul: 모과차), also known as quince tea, is a special traditional drink from Korea. It is a type of herbal tea that people enjoy for its unique taste and warm feeling. This tea is made using the Chinese quince fruit.
Most often, mogwa-cha is prepared by mixing hot water with mogwa-cheong. Mogwa-cheong is a sweet preserve made from quince and honey or sugar. You can also make this tea by boiling dried quince pieces in water. Another way is to mix powdered dried quince with hot water.
Contents
What is Chinese Quince?
The Chinese quince is a fruit that looks a bit like a large, bumpy pear or apple. Its scientific name is Pseudocydonia sinensis. Unlike apples or pears, the quince fruit is very hard and sour when it is raw. Because of this, people usually do not eat it fresh.
Instead, the quince is often cooked or preserved to make it tasty. When it is cooked, it becomes softer and develops a lovely, fragrant smell. This makes it perfect for jams, jellies, and, of course, tea!
How to Make Mogwa-cha
There are a few simple ways to prepare mogwa-cha at home. The most popular method uses mogwa-cheong, which is a sweet quince syrup.
Using Mogwa-cheong
To make mogwa-cha with mogwa-cheong, you just need hot water.
- First, put a few spoonfuls of mogwa-cheong into a cup.
- Then, pour hot water over the mogwa-cheong.
- Stir it well until the preserve dissolves.
- You can add more mogwa-cheong if you like your tea sweeter.
Other Ways to Prepare
If you don't have mogwa-cheong, you can still enjoy mogwa-cha.
- Dried Quince: You can boil dried slices of Chinese quince in water. Let them simmer for a while until the water gets a nice color and flavor. You might want to add a little honey or sugar to sweeten it.
- Quince Powder: Some people use powdered dried quince. You simply mix this powder with hot water, just like instant coffee or hot chocolate.
Why People Drink Mogwa-cha
Mogwa-cha is a popular drink in Korea, especially during colder months. It is known for its comforting warmth and sweet, slightly tart flavor. Many people enjoy it as a soothing drink. It is a traditional part of Korean culture and a delicious way to enjoy the unique taste of the Chinese quince fruit.
