Millet beer facts for kids

Millet beer in Rhumsiki, Far North Province, Cameroon

A man drinking pombe in Ibala village, 1967.

Millet beer is a traditional drink made from a grain called millet. It's also known by names like Bantu beer, malwa, pombe, or Tchouk. This special drink is popular in many parts of Africa. How it's made can be a bit different from place to place. In southern Africa, it's often called umqombothi. People usually serve millet beer in special bowls made from dried gourds called calabashes.

Where is Millet Beer Found?

Millet beer is a common traditional drink across Africa. Other similar African drinks are made from maize (corn) or sorghum.

Outside of Africa, a type of millet drink called boza is made in the Balkans and Turkey. In the United States, some breweries make a drink with millet and sorghum. The Ainu people in Japan also make a form of millet drink.

How Millet Beer is Made

Making millet beer involves a few steps that take about five days.

• First, millet grains are soaked in warm water. This helps them sprout, which increases a natural sugar called maltose in the grain.
• Next, the sprouted millet is dried. This stops the sprouting process.
• Then, the dried, malted grain is ground into a powder and mixed with water. This mixture is called wort.
• The wort is then boiled. Boiling helps to make sure the drink is clean and safe to consume.
• After boiling, the wort cools down. Once it's cool, yeast is added.
• Finally, the mixture is left to ferment. This is where the yeast works its magic, turning the sugars into the final drink.

Cultural Importance

In many cultures in West Africa, millet beer is a big part of daily life and special events. It's used for many important things, such as:

• Special ceremonies and offerings.
• Celebrations for new babies, weddings, and funerals.
• Welcoming guests into a home.
• Sealing agreements or contracts.
• Working together on farms or building projects, like putting a roof on a house.
• Important discussions among village elders.
• Social gatherings at home or in the market.

In some West African villages, women might open their homes as a place to sell millet beer one day a week. These places become important spots for people to gather and connect. When people drink millet beer, they often hold the calabash with their right hand. Before drinking, they might pour a few drops on the ground to honor their ancestors. After drinking, they pour any leftover drops on the ground in a straight line.

Names for Millet Beer

Millet beer has different names in various African languages:

• Ajon - In Ateso (Uganda)
• Malwa - In Luganda (Uganda)
• Tchouk ("chook") - In Togo
• Chibuku - In Southern and Central Africa
• Dolo - In Djioula (West Africa, Burkina Faso)
• Mbege or wari o mbeke - In Chagga (Tanzania)

See also

In Spanish: Cerveza kaffir para niños