Gut health! That’s all I have to say… Well, not really. There’s so much to say about this fabulous drink that I consider to be Kombucha’s faster, cheaper and easier cousin. It’s rich in probiotics and it’s so easy to make!
What is tepache?
Tepache is a fermented beverage made from the peel and the rind of pineapples, and is sweetened either with piloncillo or brown sugar, seasoned with powdered cinnamon, and served cold. Though tepache is fermented for several days, the resulting drink does not contain much alcohol. (Wikipedia)
Tepache dates back to the Pre-Columbian era of the Mesoamerican region. Although there are various theories about the meaning of word, the word “tepache, ” or tepiātl in the Aztec language, Nahuatl, means a drink made from corn.
Originally tepache was made from corn and a higher alcoholic form of this drink was used in ancient mayan ceremonies.
Today tepache is sold by street vendors in Mexico and is usually made in large barrels to speed up fermentation. It is also only about 1% alcohol.
Ingredients
1 pineapple
8-10 cloves
1-2 cinnamon sticks or 1 tblsp of powdered cinnamon
1 big glass or ceramic container
distilled water, or tap water to fill the container
How to make tepache?
- Rinse your pineapple well
- Cut the top of the pineapple off and throw it away
- Cut the rind off the pineapple in small or medium pieces and place in the container
- As you cut your pineapple, place cut pieces of the core in the container as well
- Boil water, cinnamon sticks and cloves in a pot, let cool
- Add 1/4 cup of sugar or piloncillo to the container
- Add warm (not hot) water mixture to container
- Stir
- Cover with a cheese cloth or a thin dish towel and leave on the counter
- In 1 to 2 days you’ll begin to see the tepache brothing at the top
11. Strain after 3 days and chill
12. Serve cold
What are the Health benefits of tepache?
According to Dr. Rubén Darío Moreno Terrazas Casildo, tepache contains tibicos, which revitalize tissue harmed by traumatism and recurrent infections, relieves colitis, urinary infections and helps with weight loss.
Other studies show that tepache provides boosts to your gut microbiome and immune system, and even supplies you with important nutrients like B vitamins and polyphenols.
Bromelain, which is found in pineapple, also has anti inflammatory properties and is good for digestion, congestion and it makes your skin glow!
So you can’t lose drinking this refreshing probiotic drink. Grab yourself a pineapple 🍍 and make a batch today!
https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/english/health-benefits-tepache
