Tejate facts for kids

Vendor mixing the beverage before serving it.

Tejate is a special cold drink from Oaxaca, Mexico. It's made from maize (corn) and cacao (chocolate). People have been making this drink for a very long time, even before Europeans came to Mexico. It's a non-alcoholic drink, meaning it doesn't have alcohol.

Tejate is very popular among the Mixtec and Zapotec peoples. These are native groups living in Mexico. You can find it especially in the countryside around Oaxaca.

What is Tejate?

Tejate is a refreshing drink with a unique taste. It's known for the foamy layer that forms on top. This foam is a special part of the drink.

Main Ingredients

Tejate is made from a few key ingredients. Each one adds to its special flavor:

• Toasted maize (corn)
• Fermented cacao beans (chocolate beans)
• Toasted mamey pits, also called pixtle
• Flor de cacao, also known as rosita de cacao

How Tejate is Made

Making Tejate is a traditional process. First, all the ingredients are ground into a fine paste. This paste is then mixed with water. People usually mix it by hand.

As the paste mixes with water, something cool happens. The flor de cacao rises to the top. It forms a thick, pasty foam. This foam is a sign that the Tejate is ready.

How to Enjoy Tejate

Tejate is always served cold. You can drink it plain, or you can add a little sugar syrup. This makes it a bit sweeter. It's a perfect drink for a warm day.

The Name of Tejate

The name tejate comes from the Nahuatl language. Nahuatl was spoken by the Aztecs. The word texātl means "floury water." It combines textli (flour) and ātl (water).

In the Zapotec language, Tejate is called cu'uhb.

See also

In Spanish: Tejate para niños