Homemade Citrus Syrup (Gyulcheong): A Cozy Winter Treat
Beat the Chill! Cozy Up with Vitamin-Rich Citrus Syrup This Winter! ♥
Feeling the winter blues? Warm up your body and soul with a comforting cup of homemade citrus syrup! The delightful fragrance of tangerines and its sweet, soothing flavor will melt away the cold, while the abundant Vitamin C keeps you healthy and strong. It’s the perfect remedy for chills, sniffles, or simply when you crave a delicious, warming beverage. Discover this delightful recipe from ‘Every Recipe in the World’ and share the warmth and health with your loved ones this winter!
Essential Ingredients
- 5 fresh tangerines
- 2 Tbsp baking soda (for thorough cleaning)
- 2 Tbsp vinegar (for sanitizing)
- 500g granulated sugar (approx. 2.5 cups)
- 100g honey (approx. 0.5 cup)
Optional Ingredient for Extra Flavor
- 1 lemon (optional)
- 1 lemon (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing your glass jar. Wash it thoroughly and then sanitize it by boiling in water for about 5-10 minutes. Once sanitized, drain the jar completely and let it air dry upside down. This ensures no moisture remains.
Step 2
Next, let’s clean the fresh tangerines. Fill a bowl with enough water to cover the tangerines, add 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and let them soak for about 20 minutes. This soaking process helps to remove any residual dirt or pesticides from the skin.
Step 3
Rinse the tangerines under running water to remove the vinegar. Then, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of baking soda over the tangerines. Gently scrub the entire surface of the tangerines with a soft brush or your hands. The baking soda acts as a mild abrasive, ensuring a deep clean. Rinse them thoroughly once more under running water and pat them dry.
Step 4
Now it’s time to slice the meticulously cleaned tangerines. Remove any seeds and thinly slice them, about 0.3 cm thick. Uniform slicing will help them meld beautifully with the sugar and mature evenly. (Tip: Since you’re using the peel, thorough washing is crucial.)
Step 5
In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced tangerines and the thinly sliced lemon (if using). Pour the 500g of granulated sugar over the fruit. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the tangerines and sugar are well combined. The goal is to coat the tangerine slices evenly with sugar. (Tip: Handle the tangerines gently while mixing to avoid mashing them.)
Step 6
Carefully spoon the sugar-coated tangerine mixture into the prepared sterilized jar, filling it about 80% full. Finally, pour the 100g of honey over the top. The honey will help create a seal, preventing the tangerines from being exposed to air. Seal the jar tightly. Let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 days to start fermenting, then store it in the refrigerator. Enjoy by mixing with warm water or sparkling water. (Tip: Adding honey on top helps preserve the tangerines for longer storage.)
