Sylvia Solis
Over the years, the myth that one of the most important ingredients of the Tarahumara Mountains in Chihuahua has been dispelled thanks to doctor goodbye robert and Edelmila Linares of National Autonomous University of Mexico Institute of Biology together with Chef and researcher Ana Rosa Beltrán del Ríowho is also a collaborator on the Semillatón project; the main character is Aliin addition to providing a flavor enhancer, the ingredient can also Has the effect of treating fever and gastritis.
Legends of this ingredient arose long ago, when It was believed and told that it was the excrement of ants surrounded by Satsuma treeonly grows in the ravines of Sland in chihuahua And now in danger of extinction.
over the years and through in-depth researchplant biologist and chef beltran an der The conclusion is that the reality of this condiment is very different from the story told orally.
according to the chef beltran an der, Ali excretes a nectar that is addictive to insectstherefore Mutualism exists between females of insects Forgenta Chardiela Coccoidea and Mountain Ants. By consuming nectar, this Tachadilla is forming a wax anyone eraser look like reddish amorphous, rich in carbohydrates Ants feed on it, which in turn keeps pushing Forgenta Chardiela continue to produce this resin, once dry on the tree, can be collected.
Cultural Value
For the Rarámuri ethnic group, resin has inestimable valueuse it to spice up your dishes anyone Consume as a drinkthe latter is prepared with boiling water, The “fist” of this ingredient,
(a measure of the Tarahumara community) and Chiltepin; It is worth mentioning that Children consume differently than adultsthis Babies have low tolerance Its strong flavor.
Its consumption has increased due to the promotion of researchers, as this condiment world famous and Food experts from around the world visit the Chihuahua Mountains to delve into flavors and the aroma of seasoning.
the wisdom of the predecessors Lalamuri It has been passed down from generation to generation, and the youngest child knows that, far from being ant excrement, it is Ali account Has highly nutritious and medicinal properties.
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As seasoning research progresses, it continues to surprise, and the chef affirms, “la Sierra is a culinary treasure, and what proves it is Aliwhich is not available anywhere else in the world, so it is very important that people know the correct information about its benefits and buy it from Rarámuris or their designated point of sale, such as a shop located in the municipality Guaccioc, Chihuahuathe location of the institution where the product can be purchased.
traditional recipes
Ana Rosa Beltran del Rio He commented that thanks to Ali, the perfect dish was achieved, as this ingredient has an effect on both savory and sweet foods.
While the Lalamuris use it to prepare sauces or drinks, in the region it has been used aguachiles, Jerky Cocktail and dessert; For example, to get a a kind of honey, Ground dissolved with sweet piloncillo The result is valid bathe in ice cream, This is a treat for the taste buds.
According to gourmet experts, the amount depends on the taste and should be increased if you want a rich red soup or sauce.
After being cut from a tree, its consumption time is variable and optional, Initially it has a fresh appearance and a moist and sticky consistencywisdom Rarámuri chooses dehydration technology The chef’s recommendation is to store it uncovered in a cardboard box for six months for later use.
“It can be eaten immediately, but the taste is different, and the taste is maximized after half a year,” he said. beltran an derhe adds, the ingredient is long-lasting because it can be stored in the cardboard box for up to seven years.
PhD-led research projects goodbye robert, Edmila Limas and chef beltran an der will be published in a few months, as a legacy of the benefits and importance offered by Chihuahua-origin ingredients, The collection period is from July to August; This healing and culinary treasure that comes out of the tree is also known as UNAMI according to laramuri Umai Means delicious and my taste.
common cymbals
Ali, prepared without other ingredients, produces an earthy, bittersweet flavor that, when mixed together, offers variety that conquers the palate.
- drink: Combine with chiltepin and lemon ingredients.
- dip: Chilli, garlic, cilantro and lemon for the preparation of agua chiles or dry meat cocktails.
- Honey: for dessert
Learn How to Prepare Ali Sauce
This recipe was contributed by Chef Ana Rosa Beltran of Rio Abundis
raw material:
- Ali 20 grams
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 g chiltepin pepper
- 3 lemons (juice)
- 2 grams of salt.
- 4 grams cilantro
- 2 cups of kermato
Prepare:
1.- Grind the Ari, chiltepin chilli and garlic in a molcajete.
2.- Add a cup of kermato, stir well, season with salt and parsley.
notes. This sauce can be used to prepare agua chiles, removing the garlic and cilantro if it is a drink.
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