Sicklepod tea explained

Gyeolmyeongja-cha
Type:Tea
Origin:Korea
Ingredients:Sicklepod seeds
Korean name
Hangul:결명자차
Hanja:決明子茶
Rr:gyeolmyeongja-cha
Mr:kyŏlmyŏngja-ch'a
Koreanipa:pronounced as /ko/

Gyeolmyeongja-cha or sicklepod tea is a tea made from roasted (but not ground) seeds of Senna (formerly Cassia) spp., especially S. obtusifolia and S. tora.

Ingredient

The roasted seeds of gyeolmyeongja are used, this being the Korean name for (Chinese:, Japanese:), i.e., the seeds of the Cassia (Senna) genus of leguminous plants, particularly S. obtusifolia and S. tora.

One source however identifies the ingredient as a plant related to Cassia nomame, synonymous with Chamaecrista nomame.

Preparation

About of dried sicklepod seeds are roasted, and decocted in around of water.[1] Sugar or honey is not added.

Use

The name gyeolmyeongja means "the seed that brightens the eyes".[2] Gyeolmyeongja-cha is also used as herbal medicine.

Similar beverages

In Japan, the habu-cha originally referred to an infusion of roasted cassia seeds brewed from habusō or S. occidentalis, but the habu-cha now commercially sold is usually made from S. obtusifolia.

The aforementioned Chamaecrista nomame is called in Japan, and its leaves and seeds into hot beverages called or, especially in southern regions such as Kyushu.

Cassia seed tea is consumed not only in East Asia (China, Japan, Korea), but in Southeast Asia (Thailand, etc.) as well. In Thailand, S. ora is called (Thai: ชุมเห็ดไทย); the roasted seeds are used as diuretic, and the seeds or leaves as purgative.

Cassia tora seeds which are roasted and ground have been noticed as ersatz coffee in India, and C. occidentali also brewed into what used to be called "negro coffee" in Africa, South America, and the West Indies. The leaves have also been used for substitute coffee in India, though unflavorful.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: gyeolmyeongja-cha. 김. 상현. Encyclopedia of Korean Culture. Academy of Korean Studies. ko. ko:결명자차. 9 May 2017.
  2. News: Food that protects people from yellow dust(황사에 도움이 되는 음식). Lee. Yeongsu. March 17, 2012. 22 March 2018.