Mexican pineapple drink (Tepache)
When we think of Mexico, we think of stunning nature, the Mayan temples, burritos and the Day of the Dead. But have you heard of Tepache? This refreshing drink is made by fermenting pineapple. If you are patient, you can conjure up this deliciously fruity drink with a hint of sweet and sour. In addition, thanks to the lactic acid bacteria that it contains, Tepache is good for our gut flora.
Ingredients
Skin of 2 organic pineapples
50 g ginger
1 tsp allspice berries
100 g brown sugar (or panella – cone-shaped lumps of raw cane sugar)
2 l water
Ice cubes
Pineapple slices and sprigs of whitecurrants to decorate
Plus: Large container, slotted spoon, sieve, 2 bottles (1.5 l each)
Directions
Wash the organic pineapple skin very thoroughly and cut into pieces. Peel and chop the ginger. Mash the allspice berries. Add all of these ingredients, together with the brown sugar and 2 litres of water to a large container.
If necessary, weigh down the pineapple skins in the container with a plate so that they are completely covered by the liquid. Cover the container with a cloth; ideally, leave it on a heater or a sunny window sill for 2 to 3 days to ferment. As soon as little bubbles form, skim them off with a slotted spoon. Every now and then, taste the liquid using a clean spoon (a pleasant sour taste should have developed by now).
Pour the pineapple liquid through a sieve and into 2 1.5-litre bottles. Seal the bottles.
Leave the Tepache to ferment for another 2 days at room temperature and then chill it. Allow it to ferment for another 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Serve the Tepache over ice cubes in glasses and decorate with pineapple slices and whitecurrants.
Tip: Keep the Tepache in the refrigerator. The taste will get sourer over time and it will become slightly alcoholic. At that stage, it should no longer be drunk by children.
To Mexico!
Your Dole Team