Korean Bitter Melon Tea | Yeoju · Caffeine-Free | 20 Tea Bags
Korean Bitter Melon Tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea made from 100% Korean bitter melon fruit (Momordica charantia, yeoju 여주), packed in 20 individually wrapped 1 g pyramid tea bags for brewing hot or cold.
Bitter melon, known as yeoju (여주) in Korean, has long been part of Korean and Asian kitchens. This tea is made from the Korean-grown fruit alone, prepared so the cup comes out mellow and lightly nutty rather than harshly bitter.
About Korean Bitter Melon Tea (Yeoju-cha)
Yeoju-cha (여주차) is a Korean infusion tea with a single ingredient: dried bitter melon fruit grown in Korea, with nothing added. Each box holds 20 pyramid tea bags, 20 g (0.7 oz) in total, and every bag is sealed on its own. The label lists 0 calories per serving.
Origin & Authenticity
The bitter melon in this tea is Korean-grown (국내산), as stated on the label. The tea is made and packed by Namdo Nongsan Co., Ltd. (남도농산) in Gangjin, South Jeolla Province, Korea, a HACCP-certified food maker. Kosbee stocks it in New Jersey and ships it from there.
Key Facts
- Origin
- Product of Korea; bitter melon fruit grown in Korea
- Ingredient
- 100% bitter melon fruit (Momordica charantia)
- Net weight
- 20 g (0.7 oz): 1 g × 20 pyramid tea bags
- Form
- Infusion tea in nylon-mesh pyramid bags, individually wrapped
- Nutrition
- 0 calories per 1 g serving; caffeine-free
- Maker
- Namdo Nongsan Co., Ltd., Gangjin, Korea (HACCP certified)
- Storage
- Keep away from heat and humidity
How to Brew
How do you brew Korean bitter melon tea?
Put 1 tea bag in a cup, pour about 3.4 fl oz (100 mL) of hot water at around 176°F (80°C), and steep 1–2 minutes. Steep longer for a fuller, more bitter cup, or steep a bag in cold water for an iced glass.
Good to Know
Please read before drinking. Bitter melon is generally not recommended during pregnancy, so avoid it if you are pregnant or trying to conceive. If you are nursing, take any medication, or are under medical care, consult your healthcare provider before drinking. Avoid it if you are allergic to gourd-family plants. Enjoy in moderation; large amounts may cause stomach discomfort.
Tea Bags, Slices, Pellets or Powder?
Which form of Korean bitter melon should I choose?
Tea bags are the mildest and easiest: steep, remove, sip. Roasted bitter melon slices brew a nuttier pot and let you set the strength. Bitter melon powder and pellets (hwan) use the whole fruit, so the taste is much stronger.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Korean bitter melon tea (yeoju-cha)?
Korean bitter melon tea, or yeoju-cha (여주차), is a caffeine-free herbal tea made from bitter melon fruit (Momordica charantia). This box holds 20 pyramid tea bags of 100% Korean-grown bitter melon, 1 g each, made by Namdo Nongsan (남도농산) in Gangjin, Korea, and shipped by Kosbee from New Jersey.
How do I brew Korean bitter melon tea, and how bitter is it?
Put one tea bag in a cup, pour about 3.4 fl oz (100 mL) of hot water at around 176°F (80°C), and steep 1–2 minutes. It can also be steeped in cold water. The cup is earthy and lightly nutty with a mild bitter edge; a longer steep makes it stronger and more bitter.
Who should avoid bitter melon tea?
Bitter melon is generally not recommended during pregnancy, so avoid it if you are pregnant or trying to conceive. If you are nursing, take any medication, or are under medical care, consult your healthcare provider before drinking. Avoid it if you are allergic to gourd-family plants, and enjoy in moderation.
Bitter melon tea vs. bitter melon powder: what's the difference?
Bitter melon tea is steeped and the bag is removed, so you drink only a light infusion. Bitter melon powder is the whole dried fruit ground fine and stirred into water or food, so you consume all of it and the taste is much stronger. Tea bags are the milder, more convenient everyday choice.
Is yeoju the same as goya, karela or ampalaya?
Yes. Yeoju (여주) is the Korean name for bitter melon, Momordica charantia, the same plant known as goya in Okinawa, karela in India and ampalaya in the Philippines; in English it is also called bitter gourd. This tea uses only the dried fruit, grown in Korea.
Where does this tea ship from, and how fast?
Kosbee ships this tea from its New Jersey warehouse, usually within one business day, to the contiguous United States. Orders of $60 or more ship free with standard shipping, and orders under $60 pay a flat $9.99. Each box contains 20 individually wrapped tea bags, 20 g (0.7 oz) in total.
Ships from New Jersey, usually within 1 business day. Free standard shipping on orders of $60 or more; $9.99 flat rate below that.
Browse the full Korean bitter melon collection or more Korean tea bags.
