Curious about this fermented pineapple drink?
If you love the honorable pineapple and you enjoy vibrant health, you will want to know, what is Tepache?
What is Tepache? Basically, it is a fermented pineapple drink. Maybe you’ve heard of or are familiar with horchata, but have you heard of Tepache? Everyone’s new favorite drink!
Tepache is an incredible Fermented Probiotic Pineapple Drink, that I have fallen deeply in love with. How often is it that you find something so delicious and it is actually good for you too!
Read on to learn How to make this Mexican Fermented Pineapple Drink
What do you get from a fermented drink?
Consequently, drinking and eating fermented food give your belly tons of help. It is known to help keep things balanced. The process encourages essential bacteria to multiply. This makes it a marvelous source of probiotics.
Originally, dating back to Pre Columbian-Mexico, traditionally making it from corn.
As a matter of fact, it is a long time practice of humans. We used to eat and drink our helpful bacteria for every meal.
People are excited about fermenting things again!
When you understand how it works, it can become a new and wonderful symbiotic relationship. A relationship between you and your fermentation. All of these bacteria playing and dancing together, it is extraordinarily interesting and fun!
I began experimenting with different flavors of tepache and they have all been delightful. Made basically, using ingredients of pineapple, sugar, and peppers.
With no official recipe for this fermented pineapple drink, you are only limited by your own creativity.
Tepache is simple and easy to make at home in a short amount of time. A favorite among the more impatient fermenters, like myself.
It only contains trace amounts of alcohol, so use it as a non-alcoholic drink. Couple with other drinks like rum an tequila. Additionally, you can serve it together with a light beer.
This fun video currently has almost 2.5 million views. The show, called “It’s Alive”, with Bon Appetit. In it, test kitchen manager, Brad, makes this divinely delicious drink called Tepache.
Incredibly, you can use the whole plant when making this drink.
TEPACHE RECIPE
Fermented Pineapple Drink
Ingredients
1 Whole Fresh Pineapple preferable grown with organic methods
2 Cups of Brown Sugar or Piloncillo (you can use white sugar, but the brown is much better tasting)
Water
1/4-1/2 Jalepeno or Favorite Hot Pepper
1 Large Quart Sized Mason Style Jar
Slice the top off the pineapple, set aside if keeping it to regrow.
Next, cut the rind off. Set the pineapple aside and cut the rind into 2-3 inch chunks and add to your jar.
Add sugar, pepper, and cinnamon. Add water to jar, only filling 1/4 full. Put the lid on and shake it, shake it, shake it like….a tepache maker.
Back to the pineapple. Slice the sides off, leaving the core. Slice the core into 1 inch pieces and add to your jar.
Cut the rest of the fruit into bite-sized chunks and fill the jar. Fill the jar, leaving 1 1/2- 2 inches from the top for expansion.
Next, you have to find a way to weigh down your pineapple.
Tips on making your own fermented Pineapple drink
The plant matter needs to remain under the water.
There are several ways to accomplish this.
Use a small glass jar with water in it to press down the pineapple goodness.
Glass fermentation weights are a creative and affordable way to keep your veggies out of the oxygen
Use an airlock type devices. There are several types of these also. I really like these screw top lids.
These specialty lids make it easy to use and work efficiently. They keep out the oxygen and allow the CO2 to escape.
Or you can use a general Cheesecloth or other material. Use a rubber band to secure your material around the lip of the jar.
How long do I ferment pineapple?
In 2-3 days it will begin to bubble. All ferments are to taste. If you like the taste of it, it is done. Go ahead and strain and drink it, or refrigerate it for later. If it still tastes too sweet and not very pungent you can let it ferment for a few more days.
Garden tip: Saving the top from your pineapple will allow you to grow your own.
Regrow a Pineapple from the Top
Just cut the top off, remove the outer leaves and allow to dry out slightly before planting. Some have had good luck with sprouting the top in water, other with the drying method.
Either way, it eventually grows a beautiful pineapple plant. When you are ready to plant it, be sure to use a loose soil mix, with a bit of sand. Keep it moistened in bright but slightly indirect sun. Sprouting roots takes 6-8 weeks establish.
After it has rooted, allow it to thoroughly dry in between watering sessions. They are slow to grow, taking 2-3 years before they fruit.
You will surely honor it nature and love drinking tepache with an even deeper appreciation.
Especially, once you know how long it takes a pineapple to grow. Let us all bow to the glory of the pineapple and it’s fun fermenting friends.
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