Bright, Refreshing, and Comforting: Discovering Korean Maesil-cha (Plum Tea)

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 If you’ve been exploring traditional Korean beverages, you’ve probably come across a variety of teas made from fruits, grains, herbs, and roots. Among all of them, Maesil-cha, or Korean plum tea, stands out as one of the most refreshing and beloved drinks. With its balance of sweetness, tanginess, and fruity aroma, this tea often becomes a favorite even for people who are brand new to Korean cuisine.

In Korea, maesil-cha is more than just a drink—it represents seasonality, homemade tradition, and the comforting care of family. It’s the kind of tea you drink to cool down during hot summers, settle your stomach after a big meal, or simply treat yourself to something bright and uplifting.

Today, I’ll guide you through what maesil-cha is, how Koreans enjoy it, how to make it at home, and why it holds such a meaningful place in Korean households. I’ll also share my personal memory of plum syrup season—one that continues to shape how I feel about this beautiful drink.

What Is Maesil-cha?

Maesil-cha (매실차) is a traditional Korean tea made from maesil, a type of green plum harvested in early summer. Instead of brewing dried fruits, Koreans typically preserve fresh green plums by fermenting them with sugar or honey. The result is a thick, fragrant maesil-cheong (plum syrup) that becomes the base of this tea.

You can enjoy maesil-cha in two ways:

  • Cold (a bright, refreshing summer drink)

  • Hot (warm, soothing, and gentle)

Either way, it retains its signature sweet-tart balance and clean, fruity finish.

The Flavor: A Perfect Sweet-Tart Harmony

The taste of maesil-cha is incredibly appealing, especially for those who enjoy fruity beverages:

  • Sweet at first sip

  • A gentle tartness that brightens the palate

  • A fragrant aroma reminiscent of apricot and green plum

  • A crisp, refreshing finish

Cold maesil tea tastes like bottled summer sunlight—clean and energetic.
Hot maesil tea tastes calm and cozy, almost like a warm hug wrapped in fruit.

This versatility is one reason the drink is so popular throughout Korea.

Why Maesil-cha Matters in Korean Culture

Maesil-cha carries deep cultural meaning and family heritage.

✔ A seasonal tradition

In late May and early June, Korean households often prepare jars of plum syrup. This annual ritual fills kitchens with the sweet, green scent of fresh plums.

✔ A natural digestive aid

For generations, maesil has been used to ease indigestion and refresh the body.

✔ A symbol of hospitality

If you visit a Korean home during summer, there’s a good chance someone will offer you a chilled glass of maesil tea.

✔ A long-lasting household staple

One jar of plum syrup can last a year or more, making it a trusted family go-to item.

✔ A meaningful mother-to-daughter recipe

Many Koreans inherit their maesil-cheong recipe from older family members.

This blend of tradition and practicality makes maesil-cha uniquely beloved.

My Personal Memory: The Summer My Kitchen Turned Green and Sweet

My most vivid memory of maesil tea comes from the summer I helped my relative prepare plum syrup for the very first time. I was visiting their countryside home when crates of green plums arrived at the doorstep—round, firm, and absolutely bursting with fragrance.

For hours, we washed, dried, and trimmed hundreds of plums. The kitchen filled with a clean, fruity scent that I will never forget. Once everything was ready, we layered the plums in large glass jars with coarse sugar.

I remember the rhythmic sound of sugar pouring, the way the jars slowly filled with alternating green and white layers, and the excitement of sealing something that would transform over time.

Every few days, we checked the jars, turning them gently to help the sugar dissolve evenly. Watching the syrup form felt like witnessing a quiet magic. Months later, when the syrup was finally ready, I tasted maesil-cha made from the very jar I had helped create.

That first sip—cool, sweet, and slightly tart—felt like tasting the entire summer again. Since then, maesil tea has always carried a personal meaning for me: patience, transformation, and the joy of creating something with my own hands.

Health Benefits of Maesil-cha

Maesil-cha is loved not just for its taste but also for its natural wellness benefits:

Supports Digestion

Traditionally used after heavy meals to settle the stomach.

Restores Energy

Its tanginess offers a refreshing boost.

Soothes Nausea & Discomfort

Many Koreans keep plum syrup at home for exactly this reason.

Hydrating & Cooling

Perfect for hot weather or after exercise.

Rich in organic acids & natural antioxidants

Helps overall wellness and balance.

Despite its benefits, maesil syrup must be prepared carefully—fresh plums should NEVER be consumed raw, and proper fermentation prevents spoilage. This is why many people prefer purchasing ready-made syrup or using trusted recipes.

How to Make Maesil-cha at Home

The easiest way to enjoy maesil-cha is to use maesil-cheong (plum syrup), which you can buy or make at home. Below is the classic homemade method.

How to Make Maesil-cheong (Plum Syrup)

Ingredients

  • 1 kg fresh green plums (maesil)

  • 1 kg sugar (1:1 ratio)

  • A large glass jar with a tight lid

Step 1: Clean the Plums

  1. Rinse the plums gently.

  2. Remove stems using a toothpick.

  3. Air-dry completely (important to prevent mold).

Step 2: Layer Plums and Sugar

  1. Add a layer of plums in the jar.

  2. Add a layer of sugar.

  3. Repeat until all ingredients are used.

  4. Seal the jar tightly.

Step 3: Ferment

  • Store in a cool, dark place for 90–120 days.

  • Rotate the jar occasionally to help sugar dissolve.

Step 4: Strain

After 3 months or more, strain the syrup into a clean jar.
Now you have maesil-cheong—your delicious plum tea base!

How to Make Maesil-cha (Plum Tea)

Ingredients

  • 1–2 tablespoons maesil-cheong

  • Hot or cold water

  • Ice (optional for cold tea)

  • Lemon slice or mint (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Add maesil syrup to a cup or glass.

  2. Pour hot or cold water, depending on preference.

  3. Stir until fully mixed.

  4. Add ice for a chilled summer drink.

  5. Adjust sweetness by adding more syrup or more water.

Serving Tips

  • Cold maesil-cha pairs wonderfully with spicy Korean dishes.

  • Hot maesil-cha is perfect after large meals or before bedtime.

  • Add sparkling water for a refreshing homemade “plum soda.”

How Koreans Enjoy Maesil-cha Today

Even as lifestyles modernize, maesil-cha continues to be extremely popular.

✔ At cafés

Often served as plum ade (maesil-ade), a sparkling version.

✔ As a home remedy

Used to comfort an upset stomach or mild nausea.

✔ In convenience stores

Plum-flavored bottled drinks inspired by maesil-cha are widely available.

✔ As a cooking ingredient

Used in marinades to tenderize meats and add natural sweetness.

Its versatility is one reason why many Koreans keep a jar of plum syrup in their pantry at all times.

Why You Should Try Maesil-cha

If you enjoy fruit teas or refreshing drinks, maesil-cha is an absolute must-try. It offers:

  • A bright, appealing sweet-tart flavor

  • Zero caffeine

  • Easy preparation

  • A rich cultural background

  • A unique homemade tradition

  • A taste that fits every season

It’s one of the best Korean teas for beginners, and chances are—you’ll love it from the very first sip.

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