Charanda facts for kids
Charanda is a special drink made from sugarcane. It is similar to rum.
This unique drink comes from the central part of Michoacán, a state in Mexico. It is especially linked to areas where the Purépecha people live, near the farming city of Uruapan. The name "Charanda" comes from a nearby hill range called 'Cerro de la Charanda'. This is where the first place to make Charanda was built. In the Purépecha language, "Charanda" means 'red-colored soil'.
How Charanda is Made
Charanda is made from sugarcane juice. First, the sugarcane juice is squeezed out when it's cold. Then, it goes through a process called fermentation. After that, it is cleaned and purified using a method called distillation. This process is often done twice.
The fresh drink is clear and colorless. But when it is kept and aged in barrels made of oak wood, it turns a beautiful amber color. Some very special kinds of Charanda, made from carefully chosen sugarcane, can even have blue colors. Charanda often tastes sweet, like butter or vanilla.
Special Protection for Charanda
In 2003, Charanda received a special protection called 'Denominación de Origen Protegida'. This means 'Protected Designation of Origin' (PDO). This protection helps make sure that Charanda is always made in a specific way. It sets rules for:
- The quality of the sugarcane used.
- The features and types of the final drink.
- The methods used to get the juice and make the drink.
This protection also clearly states the exact area where the name "Charanda" can be used for selling the drink. This helps keep Charanda special and true to its origins.
Different Kinds of Charanda
Just like other special drinks, Charanda comes in many different brands. Some well-known brands include:
- "Tres Extra"
- "Tarasco" (which has three types: Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo)
- "Uruapan" (which also has three types: Blanco, Plata, and Real de Uruapan)
See also
In Spanish: Charanda para niños
