Mageu facts for kids
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A carton of mageu, with some poured into a glass.
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| Type | Beverage |
|---|---|
| Region or state | Southern Africa |
| Main ingredients | Fermented mielie pap, wheat flour |
Mageu is a popular traditional drink from Southern Africa. It's a non-alcoholic beverage made from fermented maize porridge, also known as pap or mealie pap. People often make Mageu at home, but you can also find it in many supermarkets.
This refreshing drink is enjoyed by many groups in Southern Africa. These include the Chewa, Nyanja, Shona, Ndebele, Nama, Khoikhoi, Damara, Sotho, Tswana, and Nguni people. Its unique taste comes mostly from lactic acid, which is formed during the fermentation process. Store-bought Mageu is often flavored and sweetened, much like yogurt. You can find similar drinks in other parts of Africa too.
How Is Mageu Made?
The Fermentation Process
Making Mageu starts with a thin maize porridge, called mealie pap. To this, a little bit of wheat flour is added. The wheat flour contains special bacteria that help the fermentation process. These bacteria are called lactate-producing bacteria.
The mixture is then left to ferment. This usually happens in a warm place. During fermentation, the bacteria work their magic. They change the sugars in the maize into lactic acid. This gives Mageu its special tangy taste. For Mageu sold in stores, it often goes through a process called pasteurization. This helps the drink stay fresh for longer.
What's in Your Mageu?
Nutrition Facts
Mageu has similar nutrients to the maize meal it's made from. During fermentation, the sugar in the maize changes into lactate. This means the drink is still a good source of energy.
Many commercial Mageu drinks are also fortified. This means extra vitamins and minerals are added to them. This makes the drink even healthier for you. Even though Mageu is known as a non-alcoholic drink, it can have tiny amounts of ethanol. This is usually less than 1%, which is very small.
