Yuja Tea (Citron Tea with Yuzu & Honey) – No Refined Sugar

What is Yuja Tea (also called Citron Tea or Yuzu Cha)?

If you’ve watched Korean dramas on Netflix, you might’ve seen someone sipping a steaming cup of golden citrus tea, with tender strips of peel gently floating inside.

Yuja tea is a traditional Korean remedy made by mixing thinly sliced yuja fruit (a type of citrus) with sugar or honey to make a thick marmalade. A spoonful is stirred into hot water to create a soothing, caffeine-free tea.

Though it originated in Korea, where it's called yuja cha (유자차), it’s also enjoyed in Japan, where it’s known as yuzu cha (柚子茶).

In my homemade Japanese version, I use only honey. It’s less sugary than store-bought and gentle on the throat in the colder months.

Like other herbal teas, citron tea doesn’t contain any tea leaves, so it’s naturally caffeine-free.

Store-Bought Yuja/Yuzu Tea

In Japan, you’ll often find jars of imported yuzu cha from Korea on supermarket shelves. These jars contain a marmalade-like preserve called yuja-cheong, made by mixing yuja peel and pulp with sugar or honey.

To make the tea, you just stir a spoonful into hot water.

While convenient, I prefer making my own using organic yuzu and 100% local honey, with no refined sugar or additives. It’s simple, satisfying, and gives me more control over what goes into each cup.

For me, it’s the closest I can get to a moment of nature here in Tokyo—warmed up in a mug and ready to soothe the soul.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Made with real fruit and local honey
No refined sugar, no additives—just wholesome, natural ingredients you can feel good about.

Soothing and caffeine-free
Perfect for winding down, especially in the colder months or before bed.

Easy to make at home
All it takes is a jar of homemade yuja marmalade and some hot water. That’s it.

A cozy connection to nature
Even in the middle of the city, this tea brings calm with every sip.

Ingredients

Note: Full recipe card is below.

• 5–6 medium-sized yuzu fruit
• Honey
• Hot water

What is Yuzu?

Yuzu is a knobbly-skinned citrus fruit originally from China, now widely grown in Korea and Japan. It may look like a bumpy, rough-skinned lemon, but the scent will stop you in your tracks.

Tart like grapefruit, sweet like mandarin, and intensely aromatic, yuzu is the secret behind the deeply soothing flavor of yuja tea.

In late autumn, my eyes are always peeled for organic yuzu at the farmer's market in Tokyo.

Where to Buy Yuzu

In Japan

Right now, it’s December in Japan—peak yuzu season.
I picked up a bag of slightly imperfect organic yuzu for about $2 at the U.N. Farmers Market in Tokyo. Most vendors were selling them for around $1.50 (200 yen) each.

You’ll find yuzu at farmers markets, local supermarkets, and produce stands from late autumn to early winter—typically November through January.

In the United States

California is the heart of yuzu farming in the U.S.
Many small growers cultivate it, and it’s especially popular with high-end chefs like Michelin-starred Thomas Keller.

Outside of California, your best bet is:

• Japanese or Korean grocery stores (like Mitsuwa, Nijiya Market, Marukai, or H Mart)
• Online specialty retailers (search “buy fresh yuzu online”)
• Asking chefs at upscale Japanese restaurants if they can recommend a source

If you’re not near a major city like L.A., San Francisco, or New York, fresh yuzu may be harder to find—and more expensive.

In Australia

Yuzu is grown in small quantities in Australia.
According to an SBS Food article, the season runs from February to July, depending on the region.

Some growers offer limited shipping, so it’s worth contacting them directly.

In the UK and New Zealand

You might get lucky!
From what I’ve read, some people have found fresh yuzu at specialty Asian markets or through online importers in both the UK and New Zealand. Availability tends to vary by season, so check in late autumn or winter and call ahead if possible.

Can You Grow Your Own Yuzu?

Yes, but it’s a long game.
If you plant a yuzu tree in your backyard, don’t expect fruit for the first 8 to 10 years.
That will definitely teach you patience.

Yuzu Substitute: What to Use When You Don’t Have Yuzu

Fresh yuzu can be hard to find outside of Japan and Korea. And when you do spot them at a specialty grocery store or farmer’s market, they can be surprisingly expensive.

But don’t worry, you have options:

Option 1: Move to Japan or South Korea. (Tempting, right?)

Option 2: Buy bottled yuzu tea (yuzu cha in Japanese, yuja-cha / 유자차 in Korean) or yuzu marmalade online. These are often the same product—a fragrant citrus preserve that can be mixed with hot water for tea. It’s not quite the same as fresh yuzu, but it’s tasty, aromatic, and convenient.

Option 3: Substitute with other citrus.
The closest flavor match is Meyer lemon, with its floral, slightly sweet aroma. Regular lemons work too, though the flavor won’t be as complex or fragrant. You can also experiment with a blend of lemon and a touch of orange or grapefruit zest to mimic yuzu’s unique brightness.

Tip: If you’re using marmalade or store-bought yuzu tea, check the label. Some are loaded with sugar or additives. Look for versions with minimal ingredients if you’re aiming for a healthier option.

How to Make Yuzu Tea from Scratch

Once I realized how easy it is to make homemade yuzu tea (yuzu cha), I stopped buying it and started using fresh citron from the farmer’s market.

Here’s how to make it:

1. Juice the yuzu, then thinly slice the leftover peel. (Removing the seeds is optional.)
2. Mix the sliced peel, juice, and any leftover pulp with an equal amount of honey.
3. Spoon the mixture into a sterilized jar, screw on the lid, and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
4. Store it in the fridge. In 3–4 days, you’ll have fragrant, homemade yuzu marmalade.

To serve: Stir 2–3 spoonfuls into hot water for a soothing, vitamin C–rich cup of yuzu tea.

Health Benefits of Yuzu Tea

In Japan and Korea, this cozy, citrusy drink is a popular cold-weather remedy. Made by mixing yuzu peel and pulp with honey, then dissolving it into hot water, yuzu tea is comforting on chilly days. And it may also offer several science-backed health benefits.

What Is Yuzu Tea Good For?

Traditionally enjoyed during the winter months, yuzu tea is often used to help soothe sore throats and coughs. It’s rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which may support the immune system and help the body recover from seasonal illnesses. The warm water and honey also make it naturally calming and gentle on the throat.

Yuzu Nutrition & Antioxidants

Yuzu fruit is a citrus powerhouse packed with:

• Vitamin C – Essential for immune function, skin health, and collagen production.
• Limonene – A compound concentrated in the peel, which may help reduce inflammation and fight oxidative stress.
• Other antioxidants – Found in the peel, seeds, and juice, which may help protect cells from free radical damage.

Tip: To get the full benefits, use as much of the fruit as possible, especially the peel. Just remove the bitter white pith and the stem. If you can, choose organically grown yuzu to avoid pesticide residue, especially since you’ll be consuming the peel.

Stress Relief & Aromatherapy Benefits

Yuzu isn’t just nutritious, it’s also fragrant. The bright, floral scent of yuzu peel has been shown in studies to reduce stress and improve mood. In fact, yuzu essential oil is commonly used in aromatherapy for its calming effects.

When making yuzu tea at home, take a moment to breathe in the steam from your cup. That uplifting aroma? It’s nature’s anti-stress remedy.

Immune System Support

Thanks to its high vitamin C content and antioxidant-rich profile, yuzu may help:

• Strengthen your immune system
• Support the body’s defenses during cold season
• Reduce inflammation linked to chronic conditions

Some research also suggests that compounds in yuzu may support cardiovascular and brain health by reducing oxidative stress and improving circulation.

Benefits of Raw Honey in Yuzu Tea

The honey used to preserve yuzu and prepare the tea adds more than just sweetness:

• Natural cough soother – Warm honey coats the throat and may ease irritation.
• Promotes relaxation – Some people find that a spoonful of honey before bed helps them sleep better.
• May reduce allergies – Taking raw local honey before allergy season may help your body adapt to local pollen and reduce symptoms over time.
  (Always consult your doctor first.)

Final Tips for Maximum Benefits

• Use raw, unfiltered honey when possible.
• Avoid overly processed yuzu tea products with added sugar or preservatives.
• Keep the seeds, use the peel, and skip the bitter white pith.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Please consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or health routine.