Oksusu cha is a classic Korean beverage. Cha means tea and evenÂthough called ‘tea’, this beverage isn’t tea like the normal tea made of tea leaves. This Oksusu cha is essenÂtially boiled corn water. We roasted the Corn kernels slowly until almost blackened and charred, then boiled in water until we smell the slightly nutty flavour of the corn comes out.
Gang-naeng-i is the most often corn tea used by Korean and it is called that because the tea grown in Gangneung, a city in Gangwon province and famous of its special tea. Oksusu cha can be served hot or cold depending on weather’s condition.
But why Korean drink this OksuÂsu cha? It is believed that the Corn tea can heal the disease for those with high blood pressure, diabeÂtes, and kidney disease. We don’t need sugar as the drink is naturally sweet. Oksusu cha is often comÂbined with bori cha or roasted barÂleu tea, as the corn’s sweetness will neutralize the slightly bitter flavor of the barley.
It is recommended to just boil with water the roasted corn that you buy from the supermarket, then refrigerate for your refreshÂment in the middle day of sumÂmer time. The Corn tea last long for about a week in the fridge. Young people, the elders even toddlers are OkÂsusu cha lovers.
