Cajuína facts for kids
Cajuína is a special drink from the northeast part of Brazil, especially in a state called Piauí. It's a non-alcoholic drink, meaning it doesn't have alcohol, and it's not fizzy like soda. Cajuína is made from cashew apples, which are the juicy part of the cashew fruit.
The History of Cajuína
Cajuína was created in the 1890s by a writer and pharmacist named Rodolfo Teófilo. He wanted to make a healthy drink that people could enjoy instead of alcoholic drinks. His invention became a very popular traditional beverage in Brazil.
How Cajuína is Made
Making Cajuína involves a special process similar to one invented by Nicolas Appert. Here's how it works:
- First, the juice from cashew apples is collected and made clear.
- Then, this clear juice is heated inside a sealed bottle or container.
- As the juice heats up, the natural sugars in it start to caramelize. This means they turn into a golden-brown color and give Cajuína its unique flavor.
- Heating the juice in a sealed container also makes it sterile, which means it's free from germs. This is important because it allows Cajuína to be stored for a long time without going bad.
Different Kinds of Cajuína
It can be a bit confusing, but sometimes a fizzy, carbonated soda that tastes like cashew is also called Cajuína, especially in a Brazilian state called Ceará. However, the traditional Cajuína, especially from Piauí, is the non-carbonated, natural cashew apple drink.
See also
In Spanish: Cajuína para niños
