Achira (biscuit) facts for kids
Achiras or bizcochos de achira are yummy traditional Colombian crackers. They are special because they are made from achira flour. This flour comes from the achira plant, which grows naturally in the area. Most crackers use wheat flour, but achiras do not.
These tasty biscuits are very popular in the Huila Department of Colombia. They are often called "Achiras del Huila." Achiras are good for you because they have important minerals. These include calcium, iron, phosphorus, and sodium. They also have a lot of protein. Plus, they are gluten-free, which means people who can't eat gluten can enjoy them!
Achiras have a unique look. They are long and round, like a small cylinder. Their color is a lovely golden yellow, showing they are well-cooked. When you eat them, they melt in your mouth. They are crispy, soft, and have a slightly gritty feel. Many people say they taste like milk. The achira plant is also known as Saga or Chisgua in Colombia. Long ago, the Chibchas, an ancient group of people in Colombia, ate achiras. People believe that achiras became popular across the Andes mountains. This happened because different groups traded with each other.
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How Achira Biscuits Are Made
The Huila Department is the biggest producer of achira flour biscuits. The traditional way of making Achira Biscuits is still used today. This includes cooking them in a special clay oven. The main ingredient, achira flour, comes from the achira plant. This plant is from South America. Ancient people like the Chibchas used it for food.
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What You Need
- 1 pound of Achira flour
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 pound of melted butter
- 2 pounds of fresh curd (a type of soft cheese)
Steps to Make Achiras
- Mix the achira flour with the cheese. Make sure the cheese is well-ground. Add sugar and salt.
- Make a circle with the mixture. Add the melted butter, eggs, some milk, and color.
- Start mixing and kneading until you get a smooth dough. Mix it well. Let the dough rest for a little while.
- Shape the dough into long bars. Make them the thickness you want.
- Cut the bars into individual biscuits. Achira Biscuits are usually about 5 centimeters long. They are about 1.5 centimeters wide. You can shape them with your hands.
- Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray. Put them in an oven that has been preheated to 400°F (200°C). Bake them for about 10 minutes.
What Makes Achira Biscuits Special
Achira Biscuits have several unique features.
- Shape and Size: They are usually oval-shaped. Their length can be from 3 to 8 centimeters. Their width is between 1 and 2 centimeters.
- Surface: The outside feels a bit sandy.
- Color: They have a natural golden yellow color. No artificial colors are added.
- Smell: They have a gentle, milky smell.
- Texture: Achiras are crunchy and a bit gritty. They melt softly in your mouth.
- Weight: Each biscuit weighs between 2.6 and 8 grams. This depends on how much dough is used.
- Inside Look: The inside is compact and sandy. It should not have empty spaces.
Why Achira Biscuits Are Famous
Achira Biscuits are a very important part of the culture in the Huila region. They are well-known as a special product from the Huila Department. People in the area eat a lot of them. Because they are so popular locally, they have started to be sold in other parts of Colombia and even in other countries.
Many news articles have written about Achira Biscuits. They talk about how these biscuits are sold in national and international markets. For example, one article titled "The Achira Biscuit opens export markets" shared exciting news. It said that this delicious food from Huila started selling in the United States and Spain. Recently, it even did very well in a big project in Japan. The article also mentioned that these traditional biscuits are made by hand. Last year, they sold $114,000 worth of biscuits to other countries!
See also
In Spanish: Achira (galleta) para niños
