Homemade Ginseng Syrup: A Healthy & Delicious Elixir
Crafting Nourishing Ginseng Syrup with Seasonal Ginseng
Boost your family’s health with fresh, seasonal ginseng! Make this sweet and aromatic ginseng syrup at home.
Ingredients- 6 roots of fresh ginseng
- 1.5kg traditional Korean rice syrup (Jocheong)
- A little hot water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, carefully clean and prepare the ginseng roots. Remove any soil. Trim off the ‘brain’ or crown of the ginseng (called ‘neodu’ in Korean), as this part can be dried and brewed into a healthful tea. Cut the prepared ginseng into small, manageable pieces.
Step 2
Here are the finely chopped ginseng pieces, ready for the next step. You can already smell the wonderful aroma!
Step 3
Add a small amount of hot water to the chopped ginseng. You don’t need to submerge it; just enough to help it blend smoothly is perfect.
Step 4
Using a hand blender, process the ginseng and water until it forms a smooth paste. Ensure there are no large chunks left for a silky texture.
Step 5
Now it’s time to add the sweetness! We’re using 1.5kg of traditional Korean rice syrup (Jocheong). You can add more if you prefer a sweeter syrup. Jocheong balances the ginseng’s slight bitterness and adds a deep, complex flavor.
Step 6
Stir the ginseng paste and Jocheong thoroughly until they are well combined and smooth. Ensure there are no lumps, and all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 7
Transfer the mixture to a pot and begin to simmer over low heat. While soaking ginseng in honey is also beneficial, using Jocheong and simmering allows for longer shelf life and is ideal for warm consumption. If you desire more sweetness, consider adding a touch of stevia after the syrup is fully prepared.
Step 8
Once the ginseng syrup comes to a boil, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and let it simmer gently. Cook until the mixture reduces by about one-third, reaching approximately two-thirds of its original volume. Then, turn off the heat and allow it to cool completely. This slow simmering process allows the beneficial compounds of ginseng to infuse into the syrup.
Step 9
Carefully pour the cooled ginseng syrup into sterilized glass jars. Leave a little space at the top; don’t fill the jars to the brim.
Step 10
The freshly made ginseng syrup can be stored at room temperature initially. However, if your home is warm or during the summer months, it’s best to store it in a cool pantry or the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
Step 11
Enjoy a warm cup of this ginseng syrup instead of your morning coffee for a healthy energy boost! It can also be used to add a unique flavor to dishes or enjoyed as a comforting, slightly sweet, and savory ginseng tea. Your homemade ‘Duri Moon Ginseng Syrup’ is ready! Enjoy and stay healthy!
