10 Ways to Enjoy Omija (Five-Flavour Berry) Beyond Syrup
Omija, also known as the five-flavour berry, is a Korean ingredient traditionally associated with five different tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, spicy and salty.
Its beautiful red-to-pink colour makes it useful not only for drinks, but also for yoghurt, jelly, desserts and savoury dishes.
Here are 10 ways to enjoy omija besides turning it into syrup.
1. Omija Tea
Add dried omija berries to water and leave them to infuse in the refrigerator for about 6 to 12 hours.
You can drink the infusion chilled as it is, or add a little honey for sweetness.
2. Omija Soda
Mix omija infusion with sparkling water.
Its refreshing tartness makes it especially enjoyable on a hot day.
3. Omija Yoghurt Sauce
Gently reduce the omija infusion and add a small amount of honey or sugar.
This creates a sweet and tangy sauce that works beautifully with yoghurt.
It pairs especially well with Greek yoghurt, jujube, kinako and walnuts.
4. Omija Jelly
Add sugar to the omija infusion and set it with gelatine.
Its red-to-pink colour makes it a lovely topping for yoghurt parfaits.
5. Omija Agar Jelly
Use agar instead of gelatine for a lighter, firmer texture.
It pairs well with fruits such as peach, pear and grapes.
6. Omija Fruit Punch
Add sliced pear, peach, grapes, apple or other fruit to chilled omija infusion.
It becomes a colourful Korean-inspired dessert drink.
7. Omija Sorbet
Add honey or sugar to omija infusion and freeze it.
Stir or scrape it with a fork several times while freezing to create a light, icy sorbet.
8. Omija Dressing
Combine omija infusion with vinegar, olive oil and a little salt to make a sweet-and-sour dressing.
It works particularly well with salads containing apples, pears, nuts and leafy greens.
9. Sweet-and-Sour Omija Sauce for Meat
Omija can also pair well with richer meats such as pork or duck.
Gently reduce the infusion and add a little honey and soy sauce to create a fruity, tangy sauce for meat dishes.
10. Omija Ice Cubes
Pour omija infusion into an ice cube tray and freeze.
Add the cubes to sparkling water, tea or plain water and enjoy as the colour and flavour slowly melt into the drink.
Using Omija in a Yoghurt Parfait
If you want to use omija in a yoghurt parfait, you do not have to limit yourself to syrup.
Omija jelly or agar jelly can also add flavour, colour and texture.
For example:
Greek yoghurt
+ Kinako
+ Jujube
+ Walnuts
+ Omija jelly
The red-to-pink omija looks especially beautiful against white yoghurt,
making the parfait visually appealing as well as delicious.
The nutty flavour of kinako and walnuts,
the gentle sweetness of jujube,
and the refreshing tartness of omija balance each other nicely.
