Korean Black Barley Tea | Coffee Alternative · Ssanggye | 40 Tea Bags
Ssanggye Korean Black Barley Tea is a caffeine-free roasted grain tea made in Korea from 100% Korean black barley blended with Solomon's seal (둥굴레), crafted by Food Master Kim Dong-gon (식품명인 제28호) in Hadong — a deep, nutty, lightly sweet coffee alternative in individually wrapped tea bags.
Roasted grain teas have been an everyday drink in Korea for generations. At Ssanggye Myeongcha (쌍계명차), founded in 1975, Food Master Kim Dong-gon (식품명인 제28호) roasts black barley to a deep, dark color and blends in Solomon's seal for a naturally mellow, lightly sweet cup.
About Ssanggye Black Barley Tea
Black barley is a Korean grain that turns dark as it ripens, with a richer, deeper roasted flavor than common barley. Blended with roasted Solomon's seal, it brews a deep amber cup that is nutty, smooth, and lightly sweet — a satisfying caffeine-free swap for an afternoon or evening coffee.
Each box holds 40 individually wrapped tea bags, 1.69 oz (48 g) total — about 0.042 oz (1.2 g) per bag.
What's Inside
- 100% Korean Black Barley (검정보리)
- A darker grain than common barley, deeply roasted for a rich, nutty, robust flavor with a deep amber color in the cup.
- Solomon's Seal (둥굴레)
- Roasted Solomon's seal rhizome (Polygonatum) adds a gentle, rounded sweetness that smooths out the bold roasted barley notes.
- Naturally Caffeine-Free
- All the dark color and toasty taste of a roasted brew, with no caffeine — easy to enjoy afternoon, evening, or before bed.
- Food Master's Craft, HACCP-Certified
- Made by Food Master No. 28 Kim Dong-gon in a HACCP-certified facility — Korea's national food-safety standard.
How to Brew
- Place 1 tea bag in a cup and pour about 5–7 fl oz (150–200 mL) of freshly boiled water at 205–212°F (96–100°C).
- Steep about 3 minutes, then stir gently and sip. Steep longer for a stronger, darker cup.
- For iced tea, brew strong and pour over ice, or cold-brew a pitcher in the fridge.
- Store sealed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
What Makes It Different
Most caffeine-free coffee alternatives are made from chicory or generic roasted grains. This is a Korean blend of 100% Korean black barley and Solomon's seal, roasted by a food master for a deep, nutty cup with a naturally sweet finish — bold enough to stand in for coffee, smooth enough to drink all day.
It is made in a HACCP-certified facility, sourced by Kosbee and shipped from our New Jersey warehouse, so there is no long wait for overseas delivery.
Please note: This tea is made from barley, which naturally contains gluten. It is not gluten-free and is not suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. If you have a grain allergy, please check the printed package label before drinking. Enjoy it as an everyday beverage; if you are pregnant, nursing, on medication, or have a health condition, consult your healthcare provider first. This product is a food and is not intended to treat any condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is black barley tea, and who makes it?
Black barley tea is a Korean roasted grain tea made from black barley — a darker grain than common barley — here blended with Solomon's seal (둥굴레). It is made with 100% Korean ingredients by Food Master No. 28 Kim Dong-gon in a HACCP-certified facility, sold by Kosbee and shipped from New Jersey.
How do I brew Korean black barley tea?
Place one tea bag in a cup and pour about 5–7 fl oz (150–200 mL) of freshly boiled water at 205–212°F (96–100°C). Steep for about 3 minutes, then stir and sip; steep longer for a stronger cup. For iced tea, brew it strong and pour it over ice.
Does black barley tea contain gluten?
Yes. This tea is made from barley, a grain that naturally contains gluten, so it is not gluten-free and is not suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. If you have a grain allergy, please check the printed package label before drinking it.
Is it caffeine-free, and does it taste like coffee?
Yes, it is naturally caffeine-free. It does not have coffee's acidity, but its deep, dark-roasted, nutty flavor — rounded with the gentle sweetness of Solomon's seal — gives a similar comforting, full-bodied experience, which makes it a popular caffeine-free coffee alternative, hot or iced.
Looking for more Korean teas? Explore more Korean teas at Kosbee.
