This drink is also native to Jalisco, know its benefits, how it is prepared and where to find it
Jalisco is known worldwide for being the land of tequila, however, it is not the only thing that is produced within its borders. Another drink that you have probably already tried is also fermented: tepache, a refreshing pre-Hispanic drink that continues to enchant those who drink it.
Where does tepache come from?
The word tepache comes from the Nahuatl “tepatli” which means corn drink, since in pre-Hispanic times it was prepared with corn. It is also related to the Nahuatl term “tepachoa”, which means “pressed with a stone or ground”, so it can be said that this drink is pounded corn.
Although the preparation with corn continues to be very popular in Jalisco and many other states of the country, currently the most popular is the version that has pineapple as the main ingredient, although other fruits are also used such as guava, apple, prickly pear, orange and even combined with pulque and honey.
How is tepache prepared?
Preparing a delicious and refreshing Jalisco-style pineapple tepache is very easy, we only need the following ingredients: pineapple peels, 300 grams of piloncillo and four liters of water. Once we have everything we need, we have to follow a few simple steps.
First you have to wash the pineapple peels very well and then preferably put them in a glass cooker or in a clay pot along with the piloncillo and water. The mixture should rest for at least 5 days, but in the hot season, the time may be reduced. When it is ready, you just have to strain it and serve it very cold. Some people like to add cinnamon and cloves to give it a spicy flavor.
This drink is similar to beer, although its alcoholic content is lighter with a sweet and fermented flavor. Unlike some industrial drinks like the previous one, which is available in any supermarket or corner store, this one is usually found more in urban carts, mobile stalls that go around the city serving this drink.
Benefits of tepache
Drinking tepache has several benefits. Pineapples have an enzyme called bromelain, full of peptides and amino acids, which help the body fight illnesses and diseases such as arthritis (bone pain), parasites (which cause stomach pain) and in some parts of Mexico, it is believed to help to fight cancer.
In addition to the original benefit of pineapple, the natural fermentation process generates good quality probiotics, which boosts the immune system to heal the mucosa of the digestive system, where it is believed that all the power of our defenses is housed. It also prevents constipation and helps reverse irritable bowel syndrome, among other benefits.
Source: eluniversal
