Sujonggwa, or dried persimmon punch, is a traditional drink the Korean people have prepared and enjoyed since olden times.
The details of sujonggwa are explained in such books compiled in the period of the feudal Joson dynasty as Rimwonsimnyukji (1825), Tongguksesigi (first half of the 19th century) and Siuijonso (late 19th century) and such books compiled in modern times as Cuisine of Korea.
According to Rimwonsimnyukji, the food made by preserving fruits in honey is called jonggwa and the drink made with jonggwa is called sujonggwa. This tells that various fruits were used originally to make sujonggwa. Later, only dried persimmon was used in preparing the drink.
The ingredients of sujonggwa are ginger, cinnamon, honey, dried persimmon and pine nut.
Sujonggwa is refreshing, sweet and fragrant.
The Korean people prepared and enjoyed the drink mainly on lunar New Year’s Day. It was distinctive as a drink taken on holidays and also renowned as a health drink. The frequent consumption of the drink is good for digestion and especially efficacious for treating bleeding gum.
Sujonggwa, associated with the wisdom and intelligence of the Korean people, is still encouraged as a distinctive drink at present.