Fruit teas are becoming more prevalent in coffee shops here too. One of the most popular teas available in such places is citron tea, also known as yuzu tea, or yuja-cha in Korean.

Citron tea is made by thinly slicing the rind of the citrus fruit, mixing it with sugar, and letting it sit for a few days before serving with hot water. Similar to lemon tea, citron tea is sought out not only for its sweet taste but also for its ability to soothe headaches and coughs.

Another favorite is omija-cha, which is also called five-flavored tea. It is made with berries from the schizandra plant. Whole berries are soaked in water then mixed with sugar to create the tea, which has salty, sweet, sour, pungent, and bitter flavors.

The refreshing tea can be enjoyed hot, but it is an excellent substitute for fruit punch in the summer. Omija-cha is known for its detoxing effects, helping to lower blood pressure and strengthen the kidneys.

Other widely available fruit options include mogwa-cha, or quince tea, and maesil-cha, or plum tea.

For those who are looking for a healthy tea with medicinal properties, ginseng tea or ginger tea are top options.

Both are known for their ability to warm the body and provide a natural energy boost, helping to decrease fatigue and increase vitality. They can be brewed at home, or found in most traditional teahouses in Korea. Other healthy favorites include daechu-cha, made with jujubes, and ssanghwa-cha, made with medicinal herbs and roots.

By Won Ho-jung (hjwon@heraldcorp.com)