Smoothies / 15 min

Omija peach smoothie

A soft peach and yogurt smoothie with a little omija tea, inspired by Korean fruit-and-tea flavors.

Prep
15 min
Total
15 min
Serves
2 small glasses
Peach omija smoothie in a Korean ceramic bowl with berries and sesame

Omija, sometimes called five-flavor berry, adds a lightly tart, aromatic note to peaches and yogurt. This is a modern smoothie that takes its cue from Korean tea and fruit drinks without trying to recreate a formal preparation.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon dried omija berries
  • ¾ cup just-boiled water
  • 1½ cups frozen peach slices
  • ½ cup plain yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon honey, optional
  • ½ cup ice
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Method

  1. 1. Steep the omija berries in the hot water for 12 minutes, then strain and cool the tea completely.
  2. 2. Add the cooled tea, peaches, yogurt, optional honey and ice to a blender.
  3. 3. Blend smooth and serve with a small sprinkle of toasted sesame.

Estimated nutrition

calories
125 calories
fat
2 g fat
carbohydrate
25 g carbohydrates
protein
5 g protein
fiber
3 g fiber

Approximate values per serving. Nutrition varies with ingredients, brands and portion sizes.

Substitutions

  • Use unsweetened peach tea if omija is unavailable.
  • Coconut yogurt can replace dairy yogurt.
  • Skip the sesame garnish for a nut- and seed-free version.

Good to know

Omija tea is expressive, so start with a small amount and adjust the steeping time before adding more.

Cultural context

Korea / Omija tea and fruit drinks

Omija appears in Korean teas, syrups and seasonal drinks. This smoothie uses a light omija infusion with peach and yogurt as a respectful contemporary pairing.

Traditional use: Omija berries have been prepared as teas and fruit-based drinks in Korean food culture, often with sweetener and other seasonal ingredients.

What research suggests: Omija contains aromatic compounds and polyphenols, but research on the berry does not establish this smoothie as a treatment or cure.

Safety note: Use culinary dried omija from a trusted source. If you are pregnant, take medication or have a health condition, ask a qualified clinician before using concentrated herbal products.

Questions, answered.

What is omija?

Omija is a Korean berry known for a complex sweet, sour, salty, bitter and pungent flavor profile. Here it is used as a light tea.

Can I use fresh peaches?

Yes. Add extra ice and reduce the tea slightly so the smoothie stays cool and thick.

Related recipes