What it is, its benefits and how to prepare

Tepache is a Mexican fermented beverage made from corn, brown or brown sugar and various fruits such as pineapples, apples and oranges, which is characterized by probiotic properties that help support gut health.

Tepache fermentation takes place at room temperature in wooden barrels called tepacheras and covered with muslin for about 3 or 4 days.

The result of the fermentation is a refreshing, pleasant, sweet drink with a low alcohol content of less than 1%. Its name comes from the Nahuatl language: tepiatl, which means corn drink. Check out other drinks with probiotic properties.

Top 5 Benefits of Tepache

The health benefits of tepache are:

1. Unleash the probiotic propertiesbecause beverages are composed of various living microorganisms, such as Lactobacillus lactis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lactic acid bacteria pentose, Lactococcus lactisFor example, it helps to fight bacteria that cause infectious diseases at the gut level, maintaining a balanced and healthy gut microbiota. Learn what probiotics are and what they are used for;
2. Prevent gastrointestinal diseasessuch as diarrhea caused by Helicobacter pylori, gastroduodenal ulcer and gastritis, due to the presence of lactic acid bacteria, can restore the gastrointestinal flora;
3. fights against oxidative stress, since it is a drink rich in polyphenols (mainly flavonoids), responsible for fighting and preventing damage to cells in the body caused by free radicals, which is linked to the appearance of chronic diseases;
4. prevent the development of colon cancer, In addition to improving immunity in the body, it also reduces the enzymatic production of carcinogenic compounds produced by harmful bacteria;
5. fight certain kinds of bacteriaas Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus and Shigella flexneri, For example. That’s because tepache is a beverage made with cinnamon and cloves, two ingredients that have antibacterial properties, in addition to the probiotic properties of its fermentation.

However, tepache may have other potential health benefits as well. Information is limited and more scientific research is needed in this area.

How to Prepare Pineapple Tea

raw material

• 1 ripe pineapple;
• 2 liters of water;
• 1 cup piloncillo or panela;
• 2 cinnamon sticks;
• 4 cloves.

ready mode

Wash and remove the skin from the pineapple, cube the pulp and reserve (if you want to add it later).

Combine water, pineapple, cinnamon, cloves, and piloncillo in a jar, cover with a thin cloth and secure with a rubber band. Fermentation at room temperature (25 to 30°C) for 24 hours. Examine the drink and remove the white layer that has formed on its surface, moving the contents with a wooden spoon.

Cover again and ferment for another 48 hours. If the fermentation time is longer, it will become pineapple vinegar.

Before serving, the white layer on the surface of the liquid must be removed again, strained and served with ice cubes, some more if desired. Keep the drink refrigerated.

Side Effects and Contraindications

Tepache is a probiotic-rich fermented beverage that, if consumed in excess, may cause stomach pain or diarrhea in sensitive individuals.

Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children should avoid this drink, as there are no scientific studies to support its safety in these situations.