What Exactly Is Chicha Morada? How Should You Drink It?

If you ever visit the lovely country of Peru, you will undoubtedly come across Chicha Morada, a drink prevalent across the country. Once the first awe wears off, you’ll begin to wonder what this profoundly purple mixture is. Then, after a few glasses, you may be wondering how you might prepare this cocktail yourself.

Chicha Morada is a popular Peruvian beverage that originated in the Andes highlands. Purple corn is boiled in water with pineapple rind, quince bits, cinnamon, and cloves to make the drink. In addition, substances such as lime juice, sugar, apples, and so forth are utilized on occasion.

In this essay, we will delve into one of South America’s traditional beverages. We shall talk about its flavor, look, preparation, nutrition, popularity, variety, and so on. Finally, we’ll teach you how to make this traditional Peruvian beverage at home.

What Is Chicha Morada?

Chicha can refer to a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages that developed in the mountainous regions of the Andes and Amazonia. The majority of these beverages are made from local maize varieties.

Nevertheless, Chicha Morada refers to a particular drink produced from a specific kind of grain. Purple corn is the popular name for this kind of maize. It is endemic to the Andes of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia. This is the maize that gives Chicha Morada its distinctive color and taste.

Historians have traced the origins of this drink back thousands of years, to the pre-Columbian period, even before the Inca empire was established. Yet it has survived the years to become one of Peru’s hallmark drinks, rivaling Coca-Cola in terms of popularity.

Why Is the Color of Chicha Morada so Purple?

The drink has a striking, deep purple hue to it. Its tint distinguishes it from many other Chicha beverages, which are more golden. The reason for this is due to its major constituent, purple corn.

Purple corn, often known as purple maize, has a rich purple tint that borders on black. Anthocyanins are the compounds responsible for the color. This is a class of pigments that produce hues like red, purple, and even black. Several of the members of this group, particularly chrysanthemin, may be found in purple corn.

Consequently, when you boil the maize in water, the colours dissolve and form a severely strained liquid. Depending on how long you boil for, the depth of the color is going to change.

Of course, the color of the drink will be determined by the additional components you use. If you create the drink with strawberries or apples, for example, some of the colors from those fruits will mix with the purple.

What Is Chicha Morada Traditionally Made With?

Chicha Morada is traditionally made using purple maize, pineapple rinds, cinnamon, and cloves. Lemon or lime juice, quince, and other fruits are often used as ingredients. When the drink has boiled, it is allowed to cool. Following that, you add sugar or chancaca (a Peruvian sugarcane sauce) to the drink to sweeten it.

What Does Chicha Morada Taste Like?

Chicha Morada is somewhat sweet and spicy, with a nutty aftertaste. Chicha Morada’s sweetness is neither overpowering or exceptionally intense.

Despite the lack of alcohol, the drink has a noticeable kick from the spices. As a result, it has a good combination of sweet and spicy flavors that will appeal to a broad spectrum of consumers.

Of course, the actual taste will vary depending on how it is prepared. If you add cherry or crisp pear apples, the sweetness will be enhanced with a hint of acidity. You may also boost the acidity of the drink by adding extra lemon juice. To make the drink sweeter, add extra sugar.

Some people say the drink tastes like grape Kool-Aid. Some have said it tastes like mulled wine, but without the alcohol.

In terms of texture, the drink is really smooth and silky. It’s easy to drink and has a wonderful aftertaste. This drink is ideal for consuming quinoa or any other dry meal. By including cut apple cubes, you may give a little of crunch to the texture.

How to Drink Chicha Morada?

Chicha Morada is often served in a tall, vertical glass as a refreshing beverage. Because of its sweet and spicy flavor, it is very refreshing in the summer. As a result, you will almost always see a drink served with ice. But, if you like, you may serve the drink warm.

Chicha Morada may also be served in a wine glass during a cocktail party. To keep the drink chilled, add shaved ice to it. Some folks may place a slice of lemon on the glass’s rim. This drink is frequently served with some form of dry meal.

What Are the Benefits of Drinking Chicha Morada?

Purple maize is the main component in Chicha Morada. As a result, the nutritional content of purple maize is inextricably tied to the possible health advantages of drinking Chicha Morada.

Researchers have discovered several ties between this variety of maize and excellent human health throughout the years. Although further study is needed for definitive proof, the early indicators are generally encouraging. Thus, here are some of the advantages of consuming Chicha Morada.

Rich in Antioxidants

Purple maize is high in antioxidants, which is thought to be the main reason for its health advantages. It is particularly rich in anthocyanins, which are also responsible for the purple hue of purple maize.

Antioxidants are required by our bodies to guard against many harmful causes such as free radicals and peroxides. As a result of numerous biological processes, these dangerous chemicals are formed in your body. And antioxidants are some of the beneficial chemicals that our bodies use to counteract harmful ones.

This contains several potential advantages, including protection against inflammation and stress. It may benefit your heart, brain, liver, and a variety of other vital organs. [1]

As a result, while making Chicha Morada from maize, the colours dissolve in the liquid. This drink is a delicious way to consume purple corn.

Can Potentially Lower Blood Pressure

According to a 2007 edition of The Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, the pigments present in purple maize help lower blood pressure. This is beneficial to your health since chronically high blood pressure may cause problems in the liver, heart, and brain.

Can Improve Kidney Health

The kidneys are your body’s primary organ for excreting toxins. As a result, maintaining its health is critical for a healthy body. According to studies conducted by Hallym University in Korea, the antioxidants present in purple maize may help keep blood vessels in the kidneys healthy. As a result, the kidney’s natural functions are preserved.

May Protect Against Certain Types of Cancer

Cancer refers to a group of diseases that may harm your body. And one of the primary reasons of the onset of this process is often ascribed to free radicals and the cell damage they produce.

As a result, the antioxidants in this drink may aid in the prevention of some forms of cancer by strengthening the immune system.

May Help Against Diabetes

One of the numerous possible advantages of purple corn, according to the USDA, is its ability to combat diabetes. Diabetes is gradually becoming one of the world’s most prevalent illnesses. Thus, drinking Chicha Morada on a daily basis may improve your chances of beating it. [2]

May Improve Cardiovascular Health

According to USDA studies, the compounds obtained by drinking Chicha Morada (particularly the purple maize) may enhance persons’ cardiovascular health. The status of the human heart and all blood arteries throughout the body is referred to as cardiovascular health.

Is Chicha an Alcoholic Drink?

Chicha Morada is a non-alcoholic beverage. Although many comparable beverages are alcoholic and prepared by fermenting maize with an enzyme, the Chicha Morada is noticeably different. There is no fermentation taking place. It is also not necessary to add alcohol to this mixture. Just cook the corn and combine the non-alcoholic components.

Of course, if you like, you may make the drink alcoholic. You may add your preferred alcohol to the completed product to create a drink for a party. Yet, for those who choose to forgo alcohol in their beverages, the Chicha Morada is ideal.

Brief History of Chicha Morada

Historians have traced the origins of this drink back thousands of years, to the pre-Columbian period, even before the Inca empire was established. According to archeological evidence, the Incan kingdom consumed this drink or a crude variation of it between 3000 and 2500 BC.

The drink honors the land’s original elements (purple maize and pineapple) as well as the culture of the people who live there. Many spices became a part of the preparation with the advent of the Spanish in the 16th century.

How to Make Chicha Morada?

Step 1

The following components are required: 1 lb or 450 grams of purple corn on the cob, 4 liters of water, 1 huge stick of cinnamon, 6 cloves, cup of sugar (or more to your liking), 3 crisp pear or green apples, 3-4 key limes, and 1 full pineapple.

Separate the pineapple peel and set it aside. The pineapple should next be cut into tiny pieces. Rinse the corn well to remove any dirt.

Step 2

Heat a big saucepan over high heat. Fill the bowl with 4 liters of water and add the dried maize, pineapple peel, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Reduce the heat to medium-high after the water has reached a boil. Maintain the mixture at this temperature for 50 minutes to an hour. The tastes will begin to seep into the reduction.

Step 3

Take the saucepan from the heat and set it aside to cool. Next, using a sieve, pour the drink into a big enough container. The residual solids may be used to create another batch of the drink.

Stir in the sugar until it melts completely. If you want to consume it later, do not add the sugar yet. Alternatively, place the jar in the refrigerator to chill. This beverage is best consumed as a refreshing refresher.

Step 4

Slice the apples and pineapple into tiny cubes and add them to the brew just before serving. Pour the lime juice into the mixture and whisk well. Taste to determine whether the sweetness is to your liking. Pour the cocktail into glasses and, if desired, serve with a straw.

How Long Does Chicha Morada Last?

You may make this cocktail ahead of time to prepare for a party or keep it in the fridge if there are any leftovers. Chicha Morada will typically keep in the fridge for 2-4 days if no sugar or lime has been added. Adding sugar initiates the fermentation process, which rapidly ruins the drink.

Hence, if you want to drink this water, don’t add any sugar, lemon juice, or sliced fruit. Because if the fruit is left in the liquid for too long, it will get stale. Just before serving, combine those items.

When you’ve added the sugar, aim to sip the drink within a few hours. After that time, the drink will not necessarily become dangerous. But, the flavor of the drink will deteriorate as time passes.

To summarize, Chicha Morada is a delightful blend of sweet and spicy tastes that is ideal for the summer. You don’t even have to fly to Peru to enjoy this cocktail if you can collect the ingredients.

Chicha Morada Easy Recipe