Eucommia Liquor Blog Post
Hello, everyone! Last time, we explored Eucommia (Duchung) and its benefits for back and bone health. Today, I’ll walk you through making "Eucommia liquor" (Duchung Ju), a traditional tonic that maximizes the bark’s medicinal properties with soju. It’s perfect for relieving back pain or boosting energy when you’re feeling weak. I’ll break it down step-by-step so even beginners can follow along. Let’s make it together!
What You’ll Need: Ingredients and Tools for Eucommia Liquor 🍶
Before starting, gather these essentials. It’s simple, so no worries!
- Eucommia Bark: 200-300g of dried bark (choose clean, high-quality bark for best results)
- Soju: 1.8L (25-35% alcohol, unflavored recommended)
- Glass Jar: 2-3L capacity with a lid (avoid plastic as it may react with the herbs)
- Strainer or Cheesecloth: For filtering impurities
- Scale: Handy for measuring the bark accurately
- Funnel: Makes pouring soju into the jar easier
With everything ready, let’s get started!
Step 1: Preparing and Cleaning the Eucommia Bark 🧹
Clean ingredients are the foundation of good liquor. Here’s how to prep the bark.
- Brush off dust or debris from the dried Eucommia bark.
- Soak it in cold water for 10-15 minutes to remove impurities—don’t soak too long to preserve potency.
- Rinse, drain in a strainer, and spread on a clean cloth to air-dry in the shade (avoid direct sunlight, which can weaken the effects).
- Once dry, break the bark into smaller pieces by hand to help it infuse better in the soju.
With clean, dry bark, you’re ready for the next step!
Step 2: Filling the Jar with Ingredients 🍾
Now, let’s combine the bark and soju in the jar.
- Sterilize the glass jar with hot water and let it dry completely (moisture can cause mold).
- Place 200-300g of prepared bark at the bottom, filling about 1/3 of the jar—don’t pack it too tight.
- Use a funnel to slowly pour in 1.8L of soju, ensuring the bark is fully submerged.
- Seal the lid tightly to prevent air leaks.
The base for your liquor is set—on to aging!
Step 3: Aging the Mixture ⏳
Aging is key to unlocking Eucommia’s benefits. Patience pays off here.
- Store the jar in a cool, dark place (avoid sunlight or temperature swings).
- Let it age for at least 3 to 6 months—up to a year for deeper flavor and potency.
- For the first 1-2 weeks, gently shake the jar once daily to mix the bark and soju.
- Check for bubbles or odd smells during aging; if present, the batch might have spoiled.
Once aged, it’s time for the final step!
Step 4: Filtering and Storing 🧴
After aging, filter and store your liquor for enjoyment.
- Strain the aged liquor through a strainer or cheesecloth to remove residue (it should be a clear brownish color).
- Transfer the filtered liquor into a clean, sterilized glass bottle or jar.
- Seal and store in a cool place—refrigeration keeps it fresher longer.
- Don’t toss the leftover bark; you can reuse it for a weaker second batch with fresh soju.
Your Eucommia liquor is ready to savor!
How to Enjoy: Tips for Drinking Eucommia Liquor 🍷
Since it’s medicinal, moderation is key. Here’s how to enjoy it.
- Dosage: 1-2 small shots (20-40ml) daily, ideally after dinner.
- Flavor tweak: If it’s too bitter, add a touch of honey or jujube.
- Boosting effects: Dilute with warm water or pair with tea for extra warmth.
- Note: Avoid overdrinking, and start small to check your body’s response.
Wrap-Up: Boost Your Health with Eucommia Liquor
We’ve walked through making Eucommia liquor step-by-step. Isn’t it great that you can craft a back-and-bone-boosting tonic at home with simple ingredients and some time? I love Eucommia tea, but I’m excited to try this liquor next. Give it a go and enjoy a healthy sip! Just make sure it suits your body and drink in moderation. I’ll be back with more helpful info soon. Stay healthy and happy!
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