(Jeju=Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Ho-cheon = A liquid tea developed using 'Sweet Gold', a kiwi variety developed in Jeju, is expected to increase farmers' income.
Jeju City Agricultural Cooperative announced on the 20th that they have started selling a premium liquid tea called 'Jeju Gold Kiwi Drinkable Tea', made from Sweet Gold produced by kiwi growers in their cooperative.
The product name reinterprets the concept of drinkable tea to include the idea of 'spreadable enjoyment'.
This product is packaged in 20g portions and can be consumed by dissolving it in water, spreading it on bread and biscuits, or using it as a drink, yogurt additive, or dressing.
Jeju City Agricultural Cooperative began development in collaboration with a domestic specialized manufacturer at the end of last year. After several tests of prototype products, they combined Jeju lemon juice to enhance the sweet taste of Sweet Gold while maintaining a refreshing balance.
From the 17th to the 19th, Jeju City Agricultural Cooperative held a tasting event at Hana Mart's Jeju, Nohyeong, and Ora branches and started sales.
It can also be purchased through the Jeju City Agricultural Cooperative's official store (https://smart.naver.com/jejusinh).
The consumer price for a box of the product, which contains 15 packs of 20g each, is 8,900 won.
Chairman Go Bong-joo said, "By increasing the added value of kiwi, which was previously limited to raw sales, farmers can increase their income, and consumers can also be satisfied. We will continue to develop various processed products that suit the tastes of the younger generation."
Currently, 29 members of the Jeju City Agricultural Cooperative Kiwi Joint Shipment Association produce 300 tons of Sweet Gold annually on 17.4 hectares.
Sweet Gold was developed by the Warm Response Agricultural Research Institute under the Rural Development Administration in Jeju and has been registered as a variety. Currently, the Halla Gold Farming Corporation has obtained exclusive implementation rights and is distributing it.
khc@yna.co.kr