Bori-Cha or Korean Barley Tea is a nutty tea made with toasted barley and water. This tea can be served either cold or warm depending on the season.
Barley tea has its origin in East Asia and is famous in Japan, China, and Korea. It is a simple tea concoction made with toasted barley and water. It is called 'Bori-cha' in Korea, 'Damai-cha' in China, and 'Mugi-cha' in Japan.
This Korean Barley Tea can be served either warm or cold based on your liking. Bori-Cha can be drunk as is or with some milk. There is no sweetener of any kind added to it and I did not feel the need for it as well.
If I am telling you that I did not need any sugar, then trust me you are in good hands. I did try a little with some lemon juice and it was very refreshing.
Korean stores have Barley tea in tea bags readily available to buy or also carry toasted barley kernels. I used plain pearl barley and toasted it myself to brown color and then seeped the tea.
Benefits of Barley
Barley has many health benefits. It is a great grain to consume in a regular diet. I am listing a few that may make you consider using barley periodically.
- Barley contains antioxidants that help fight inflammation.
- It is caffeine free and helps in digestion and overall Gastrointestinal health.
- Barley is high in fiber and which in turn helps regulate sugar and cholesterol levels.
- Since barley is high in fiber, it can help in weight loss by slowing hunger.
The flavor of the Bori-cha was quite nutty with a slightly bitter undertone, which was pleasantly liked by me and my husband. The best part is, when seeping the tea, the barley cooks as well and can be used in recipes that call for barley like this Barley Summer Salad.
So, once you brew the Bori-Cha, do not discard the barley. I have an amazing recipe coming soon to use the cooked barley. My dear friend Deepika, gave me her tea kettle to use and I could not wait to find an apt recipe to use it for and picture it.
This week I am doing 3 different recipes from 3 different Asian countries and after yesterday's Papaya Lassi from India, today, I have the Korean Barley Tea from Korea (East Asia). The tea kettle was just too perfect and I had so much fun photographing it this morning. Thanks, Deepika for this cute Tea Kettle.
Preparation time - 5 minutes
Cooking time - 30 minutes
Difficulty level - easy
Ingredients to make Bori-Cha - Makes 6 cups
- Pearl Barley - 3 TBSP
- Water - 6 cups
Procedure to make Korean Barley Tea
- In a large pan, toast the pearl barley until brown and aromatic. Keep the heat low and constantly stir the barley to prevent burning. Barley takes about 7 to 8 minutes to be brown and aromatic.
- Add 6 cups of water to the same pan and bring it to a boil.
- Once the water boils, simmer the flame and let the barley seep for about 20 minutes.
- You can let the barley seep for anywhere between 5 to 30 minutes. 20 minutes for perfect for us as it had a good nutty flavor and at the same time was not too strong.
- Strain the mixture and pour into glasses and enjoy.
- You could serve it warm or cold. We liked ours warm and it was very soothing.
More similar recipes
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Recipe
Bori-Cha | Korean Barley Tea
Equipment
- Large Pan
- Stove
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon Pearl Barley
- 6 cups Water
Instructions
- In a large pan, toast the pearl barley until brown and aromatic. Keep the heat low and constantly stir the barley to prevent burning. Barley takes about 7 to 8 minutes to be brown and aromatic. .
- Add 6 cups of water to the same pan and bring it to a boil.
- Once the water boils, simmer the flame and let the barley seep for about 20 minutes.
- You can let the barley seep for any where between 5 to 30 minutes. 20 minutes for perfect for us as it had a good nutty flavor and at the same time was not too strong.
- Strain the mixture and pour into glasses and enjoy.
- You could serve it warm or cold. We liked ours warm and it was very soothing.
Leslie says
I have never heard of this kind of tea. I love how simple this is though!
Natalie says
This tea sounds fantastic. I never tried barley tea before. I will definitely look for it in local store. Can't wait to give it a try.
Pavani says
Such an interesting tea made with Barley Sandhya. Sounds very refreshing and quite easy to make too. Clear teapot looks great.
Sowmya says
That is such a unique drink....sounds quite tempting. And I totally love that teapot....looks so pretty!
Sharmila Kingsly says
Such a healthy and refreshing tea.. Must definitely try some time..
chef Mireille says
I was in a British supermarket a few weeks ago we have here in NY and they have all different flavors of flavored barley water and I always thought it was strange but I guess barley beverages are common in different cultures - I wasn't sure I would like it but now you are tempting me to try it
Ritu Tangri says
Some thing new to me, definitely a healthy take on our regular tea. Though I'm skeptical about the taste and that too without sugar, but at the same time curious too to know its taste. will make it asap
Suja Ram says
That must be a very healthy tea Sandhya..I take Barley water sometimes, especially for fever and this is a good twist to the regular one..
Suja Ram says
Tea with Barley - Must be a very healthy Drink. I take Barley water sometimes and this is a good twist to that regular one..
Suma Gandlur says
What an interesting tea and love that tea pot too. 🙂
Renu says
This is new to me and such a healthy tea. We drink barley water, will it taste something similar. Love your tea pot.
harini says
This version of barley tea sounds very good. Bookmarked to try. Love the props in the pictures.
Kalyani says
This Is so delicious Sandhya ! I saw ur feed and cudnt wait to check out a caffeine free drink . I love barley kanji that I make regularly ; toasting the seeds for this tea sounds delicious ! Amazing find 🙂
Vaishali says
A tea with barley is definitely vey innovative ! Sounds great , and yes the kettle is cute . How nice of your friend to give it to you , it’s a perfect prop for this tea .
Gayathri Kumar says
You are so adventurous Sandhya. The tea looks so healthy and love your tips on making it. Will wait for your barley recipe..
Nalini says
Barley tea sounds interesting and healthy one.The tea got a nice color..
Priya Suresh says
Interesting drink and enjoyed reading about the health benefits. And what a pleasant colour, this drink is definitely a fabulous one. Cant wait to give a try.
Srivalli says
Oh my that is some tea Sandhya! Enjoyed reading about this drink and the health benefits..the clicks look so lovely with the pot being the highlight!..Excellent pick for the theme!
Varada says
This is a very nutritious drink. I am very interested in the recipe your are going to share for the barley. Very cute teapot, looks great in the pictures.