Habushu facts for kids
Habushu (ハブ酒) is a special type of liqueur made in Okinawa, Japan. It's sometimes called Habu Sake or Okinawan Snake Wine. This drink gets its name from the habu snake, which is a kind of pit viper. These snakes are related to rattlesnakes and copperheads.
Habu snakes are venomous and live in places like Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and Japan. Even though the snake is venomous, the alcohol in habushu helps to make the venom harmless.
How Habushu is Made
Habushu is made using a traditional Okinawan alcohol called awamori. To make awamori, crushed rice and a special mold called Koji are used.
First, the awamori is mixed with herbs and honey. This gives the clear liquid a yellowish color. After this, a habu snake is carefully placed into the liquid inside the bottle. The drink is then stored for a long time. This aging process is important. The alcohol helps to break down the snake's venom, making the drink safe to consume.
Some bottles of habushu are sold with the snake still inside, which makes them look very unique!
The Habu Snake
The habu snake (Trimeresurus flavoviridis) is a type of pit viper. These snakes are known for their venom. They are native to several islands, including those in Japan and the Ryukyu Islands.
While the habu snake's bite can be dangerous in nature, the way habushu is made ensures that the drink is safe. The alcohol content is high enough to make the venom harmless during the production process.
See also
In Spanish: Habushu para niños
