Burdock root tea, called ueong-cha (우엉차) in Korea and gobo tea in Japan, is made from the roasted root of Arctium lappa. It brews a clear golden cup with a toasty, nutty aroma and no caffeine, which is why many Korean families drink it every day, hot in winter and iced in summer.
Burdock tea bags or roasted slices?
| Tea bags | Roasted slices | |
|---|---|---|
| Product | Ssanggye Korean Burdock Root Tea, 50 or 100 bags | Korean Roasted Burdock Root, 5.25 oz |
| What is inside | 100% Korean-grown roasted burdock with roasted brown rice, 1 g per bag | Thick roasted burdock slices from Chungju, Korea |
| Flavor | Toasty and nutty, smoothed by brown rice | Deeper, coffee-like and nutty |
| Good for | One cup at a time | A full pot or a pitcher for the fridge |
How do you brew burdock root tea bags?
Drop one tea bag into about 8 fl oz (240 ml) of water just off the boil and steep for 2 to 3 minutes. Leave the bag in longer for a deeper cup; it stays smooth rather than bitter.
Can you drink burdock tea iced?
Yes. Steep two tea bags in 8 fl oz (240 ml) of hot water for about 3 minutes, then pour it over a full glass of ice. Many Korean households keep a pitcher of chilled ueong-cha in the fridge as an everyday alternative to plain water.
How do you brew roasted burdock slices?
Rinse 3 to 5 roasted slices, add them to 1 quart (about 1 liter) of hot water and steep for 10 to 15 minutes; simmer it for a stronger cup. For iced gobo water, brew a larger batch and chill it. A few slices simmered with radish and shiitake also make a savory vegan broth.
Does burdock root tea have caffeine?
No. Both the tea bags and the roasted slices are naturally caffeine-free, so you can drink them in the evening or in place of coffee.
Before you drink it
Burdock belongs to the daisy (Asteraceae) family, so skip it if you are sensitive to daisy-family plants. If you are pregnant or nursing, take any medication, or are under medical care, consult your healthcare provider before use. Enjoy in moderation.
More roasted Korean teas: cassia seed tea, scorched rice tea and roasted bitter melon. Browse all Korean Tea Bags.
