Dasomi Maesil-cha is not a tea brewed from tea leaves. In Korea, the word "cha" (tea) is used broadly to describe drink bases made from concentrated herbs or fruits. This product is a syrup-style drink concentrate made from maesil (Asian plum, Prunus mume) combined with sugar, oligosaccharide, and other ingredients. It can be diluted in hot or cold water, or mixed with sparkling water as a refreshing soft drink. Think of it as similar in use to a European fruit cordial or fruit syrup. Its defining characteristic is a sweet yet pleasantly tart flavour.

Yes, Dasomi Maesil-cha is suitable for a vegetarian diet. It has also been confirmed as gluten-free. However, vegan (Vegan) certification has not been officially confirmed — no animal-derived ingredients are visible in the ingredient list, but the manufacturer has not officially confirmed the absence of cross-contamination risks (e.g. honey). Strict vegans are advised to contact the manufacturer before purchasing. There is no halal certification. Regarding allergens, the oligosaccharide ingredient may potentially be soy-derived, but this has not been officially confirmed. Those with a soy allergy should exercise caution and verify with the manufacturer if necessary.

Dasomi Maesil-cha is a concentrated syrup and must always be diluted with water before drinking. A typical ratio is 1 part Maesil-cha to 5–7 parts water, adjustable to taste. For a warm drink, stir 2–3 tablespoons into 200ml of hot water. For a cold drink, dilute with ice and cold sparkling water or still water for a refreshing summer beverage. Please note that this product contains approximately 64g of sugar per 100g, making it a high-sugar concentrate — a generous dilution ratio is recommended.

Yes, carrageenan (Carrageenan, E407) is one of the ingredients in Dasomi Maesil-cha. Carrageenan is a naturally derived food additive extracted from red seaweed and is an approved additive under EU food regulations. It serves to regulate viscosity and maintain a consistent texture in beverages and food products. There are no regulatory issues with selling it as a general food product within the EU, and it is already widely used in a variety of foods distributed across Europe.

Before opening, store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. After opening, refrigerate and use as soon as possible. The 580g size provides multiple servings. Check the date printed on the product container for the best-before information. As this is a plum concentrate syrup rather than a product, hygienic handling after opening (e.g. using a clean spoon each time) is important even when refrigerated.