Țuică facts for kids

Țuică (say "tsoo-ee-kah") is a special traditional drink from Romania. It's made only from plums! While it's a strong drink, it's an important part of Romanian culture. Other similar drinks made from different fruits are called "rachiu."

How Țuică is Made

Bottled Țuică

Making țuică is a tradition that usually happens from October to December. First, plums are gathered and left to ferment. This means they sit in large barrels for about 6 to 8 weeks. During this time, the plums change, getting ready for the next step.

After fermentation, the plum mixture is distilled. This is done in a special copper pot called a "cazan." People traditionally use a wood fire to heat the cazan. They listen to the sounds the pot makes and taste the liquid to know when it's just right!

This process usually makes two kinds of țuică:

• Normal țuică: This is distilled once and is less strong.
• Strong țuică: This is distilled twice, making it much stronger. It's often served before a meal, especially when guests visit in the countryside.

After it's made, țuică can be aged in mulberry wood barrels for a few months or even up to ten years. This makes it turn a lovely yellow color and gives it a strong, unique smell. This aged version is called "old țuică." If it's drunk right away, it's called "fresh țuică."

Different Kinds of Țuică

Țuică is made in traditional ways for families to enjoy and sometimes to sell. Even though there were rules about making it in the past, the government often allowed it because it's such an old tradition. Some communities now have special licenses to make and sell it legally. Families can also make a certain amount for themselves each year.

There are different names for țuică depending on the region or how it's made. Sometimes, you might see a special bottle of "țuică with fruit." This is a glass bottle with a whole plum inside! People create this by hanging empty bottles on plum trees in spring. The plum then grows right inside the bottle!

When and How Țuică is Enjoyed

Țuică is usually enjoyed before a meal, especially to help build up an appetite. People typically drink a small, shot-sized amount and sip it slowly.

This traditional drink is a big part of many Romanian celebrations. You'll often find it at weddings, baptisms, harvest festivals, and family get-togethers. In many rural areas, țuică is the drink used for toasts, even more than wine!

Plum trees are very common in Romanian orchards. This means many families in the countryside make their own țuică. Romania is actually the biggest plum producer in the European Union! A large part of these plums are used to make țuică.