Homemade Omija (Schisandra Berry) Syrup – A Sweet and Healthy Summer Elixir
Crafting Perfect Omija Syrup from Dried Schisandra Berries: A Comprehensive Guide from Soaking to Maturation
Omija, also known as Schisandra berry, is celebrated for its complex flavor profile, encompassing five distinct tastes: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and pungent. Historically, omija has been valued for its numerous health benefits, including promoting fluid generation, boosting energy, suppressing sweat, improving coughs and asthma, enhancing vitality, and clarifying the mind (Source: Kim So Hyang Channel H). Why not embrace the summer heat with a refreshing and healthy homemade Omija syrup? ^^
Key Ingredients- Dried Omija berries 200g
- Sugar (white or brown) 900g
- Water 2L
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Quickly rinse the dried Omija berries under cold running water just two or three times. Avoid soaking them for too long, as this can leach out their beneficial compounds. After rinsing, drain them thoroughly in a colander. While rinsing, carefully pick out any stems or small twigs mixed with the berries for a cleaner final product.
Step 2
It’s crucial to use glass or food-grade plastic containers, as stainless steel can react with the Omija’s compounds and alter its quality. Place the washed dried Omija berries into your chosen container and pour in 2L of cold, fresh water. Let the berries steep to release their flavor and color. The steeping time varies by season. The recommended times from my Omija packaging were 10 hours for summer and 24 hours for winter. You can use this as a guideline, but ensure the water has developed a rich, deep color.
Step 3
As time passes, you’ll observe the water gradually deepening into a vibrant red hue. On the day I made mine, the weather was cool, so I let it steep at room temperature for about 18 hours. During warmer weather, you might want to reduce the steeping time slightly to prevent the flavor from becoming too intense or the berries from spoiling. Observe the color of the Omija water to gauge when it’s ready.
Step 4
Once steeped, carefully strain the Omija-infused water into a saucepan, using a fine-mesh sieve to catch all the berries. It’s important not to boil the Omija berries themselves, as this can release a bitter or astringent taste. Set the berries aside and use only the rich, infused liquid to make the syrup. This ensures a clean and delightful flavor.
Step 5
Transfer the strained, clear Omija liquid to a saucepan. You’ll notice its deep, beautiful color. Now, add 900g of sugar to the liquid. Don’t stir immediately; allow the sugar to begin dissolving on its own. Resist the urge to stir right away, letting the sugar naturally melt into the liquid to form a syrup base.
Step 6
Simmer the mixture over medium-low heat. Continue to cook until the volume of the Omija syrup reduces by about half. The color is impressively deep, a testament to the long steeping process. Once the syrup has reached the desired consistency, turn off the heat. Be careful not to overcook, as this can intensify the flavor too much.
Step 7
Allow the cooked Omija syrup to cool down completely. Once cooled, pour it into a sterilized jar or bottle. Let it mature in the refrigerator for a few days, and your refreshing, sweet, and healthy Omija syrup will be ready to enjoy! ^^ This delicious syrup can be mixed with sparkling water for a vibrant Omija ade or stirred into hot water for a soothing Omija tea. Enjoy this delightful taste of summer and boost your well-being! ^^
