Baesuk (Korean배숙; Korean pronunciation: [pɛ.suk]) is a variety of hwachae, Korean traditional fruit punch made with bae (배: Korean pear), black peppercorns, ginger, honey or sugar, and water.[1][2]

Baesuk
Baesuk being served with a variety of tteok, Korean rice cake
Korean name
Hangul
배숙 / 이숙
Hanja
배熟 /
Revised Romanizationbaesuk / isuk
McCune–Reischauerpaesuk / isuk

History

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Originally, baesuk was served in Korean royal court cuisine, so that it was not spread to the public until the mid-20th century. Baesuk is also called isuk, and both terms literally mean "cooked pear" in Korean.[2] A peeled pear is cut into several pieces easily to be eaten or prepared as a whole[3] and then generally three black peppercorns are stuck onto the surface of each piece.[4] In case of cooking Korean pear a whole pear without slicing, it is called hyangseolgo (향설고, ) and sour and hard munbae (문배, Pyrus ussuriensis var.seoulensis) is used.[5][6]

Recipe

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The pieces are poached by simmering with sliced ginger and sugar or honey over low heat until tender.[2] After removing from the heat, gingers are discarded and the mixture is chilled in a cold place. The baesuk is poured into a glass bowl for hwachae and is garnished with ground pine nuts. It can be served with a dash of yujajeub (유자즙, yuzu juice) mixed together.[7] Baesuk is a seasonal food usually drunken cold just like other hwachae varieties but can be served hot.[citation needed]

Baesuk is usually prepared and drunk in the summer or for Chuseok (Korean Mid-Autumn Festival).[8][9]

Together with sujeonggwa (persimmon punch), baesuk is considered a representative Korean beverage. Due to the similar recipes of the two beverages, baesuk is sometimes called "baesujeonggwa" (배수정과).[2] Baesuk is usually served as dessert and also considered a good remedy for the common cold.[10] The beverage is widely popular in South Korea because of the moderate sweet flavor and easy recipe.[11]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Click Korea: Access to Korean Arts & Culture Archived 2011-07-19 at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ a b c d "Baesuk (배숙)" (in Korean). Doosan Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2008-05-19.[permanent dead link]
  3. ^ 잡지 > 참살이 > 배숙
  4. ^ "Baesuk (Cooked Pear)". Korea Agro-Fisheries Trade Corporation. Retrieved 2008-05-19.
  5. ^ Ju Jinsun (주진순). 서울의 희귀종 문배나무 기준 표본목 (PDF) (in Korean). National Forestry Cooperatives Federation. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2005-05-24. Retrieved 2008-06-16.
  6. ^ 향설고 (in Korean). Empas Korean Dictionary. Retrieved 2008-06-16.
  7. ^ "Baesuk (배숙)" (in Korean). Empas / EncyKorea. Retrieved 2008-05-19.
  8. ^ ::: 강원도민일보 :::
  9. ^ 에버케어 헬스케어
  10. ^ 환절기 감기, 건강차로 이겨내자 Archived 2008-08-04 at the Wayback Machine
  11. ^ "Naju Pear". Information Newwork Village. Archived from the original on 2011-07-18. Retrieved 2008-05-19.
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