Easy & Healthy Agar Lemon Syrup (Hangyecheon Lemon Cheong)
Boost Your Immunity and Energy with Agar Lemon Syrup
Introducing ‘Hangyecheon Lemon Cheong,’ a delightful homemade lemon syrup infused with the goodness of agar-agar! This healthy twist on traditional lemon syrup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it perfect for boosting your immunity and fighting fatigue. Enjoy its smooth texture and sweet-tart flavor, especially wonderful when brewed into a warm tea during chilly days. Make your own revitalizing and soothing lemon syrup today!
Key Ingredients- Fresh Lemons, 250g
- Sugar, 200g (adjust to taste; granulated or unrefined sugar work well)
- Agar-agar powder, 5g (the type used for making pudding or jelly)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare your glass jar for the lemon syrup. Start by sterilizing it: submerge the jar in cold water and bring it to a rolling boil for about 10 minutes. Once boiled, ensure the jar is completely dry, with no moisture remaining. This step is crucial for preserving your syrup.
Step 2
Time to give the lemons a thorough cleanse. In a basin, add enough water to cover the lemons, then mix in a pinch of coarse salt, a splash of vinegar, and a pinch of baking soda. Soak the lemons in this solution for about 15 minutes to effectively remove pesticides and impurities. Afterwards, rinse the lemons thoroughly under running water, scrubbing gently.
Step 3
After washing and drying the lemons, trim off both ends. Slice the lemons into rounds of about 0.5 cm thickness. Carefully remove all the seeds from each slice. Leaving seeds in can impart a bitter taste to your syrup.
Step 4
In a bowl, combine the prepared lemon slices (approx. 250g) with the sugar (200g). Gently mix everything together with a spatula or your hands until the sugar is completely dissolved and no lumps remain. This process helps the lemons release their juices and form the syrup. Feel free to adjust the sugar quantity based on your preference.
Step 5
In a small saucepan, combine 500ml of cold water with 5g of agar-agar powder. Whisk well to ensure the agar-agar powder is fully dissolved and doesn’t clump. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and bring to a simmer. Stir constantly to prevent sticking to the bottom, and continue heating until the agar-agar is completely dissolved and the mixture becomes clear. Be mindful to avoid boiling over.
Step 6
Pour the warm, dissolved agar-agar mixture (from step 4) into the bowl containing the lemon and sugar mixture (from step 3). Stir thoroughly with a spatula or whisk until the agar-agar and lemon are evenly combined. Work quickly, as the mixture can start to set. Carefully transfer the warm syrup into the sterilized glass jar.
Step 7
Your healthy Agar Lemon Syrup is now ready! Enjoy it by mixing it with hot water or sparkling water for a comforting tea. It’s a wonderful way to increase your dietary fiber intake. On a cold winter day, let this warm and healthy syrup soothe your body and soul! Store the syrup in the refrigerator and consume within two weeks for the best flavor.
