omija tea

I find it intellectually stimulating and satisfying when I 'discover' a 'new' word that cannot be accurately described in the English language. It feels as though I have tasted a little more of life.

I was bouncing around Jeju Island this weekend with my two friends Meredith and Seongjik when we happened upon a folk village. A lady gave us a tour and at then end of the tour we were privileged to taste Jejudo Omija Tea. (오미자차) It means five flavored tea. Meredith captured it well when she exclaimed that it was like a rainbow in your mouth.

There is an initial sensation of sweetness and then a shocking tartness. Bitterness and saltiness follow and then a final 떫은 (tteorbun) taste. In the dictionary, this word comes up as astringent and puckery. Obviously, these meanings do little to explain this word. It is that taste one gets when taking a bite out of a persimmon or date that was not as ripe as it could be. It leaves one wanting another bite of something a little more sweet. Eat the peel of an apple without the flesh and you will begin to understand this taste.