Chicha de jora, made from corn, is without a doubt the favorite of the Indians. It played an important role in the life of the Incas, not only as a source of nourishments but also in ritual and religious practices.
Chicha de jora |
The women made the chicha by chewing the corn and spitting it into containers. The ptyalin enzymes in the saliva broke down the corn starches into fermentable sugars. It was believed that older women’s saliva made for a tastier and more potent brew.
The color of chicha varies depending on the type of corn which from it is made, ranging from pale yellow to burgundy red. When made from yellow sweet maize, it has a pale straw color and milky appearance.
Chicha made from corn