Tesgüino facts for kids
| Type | Corn beer |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Central Mexico |
| Region of origin | Yuto-Aztec people |
Tesgüino is a special corn drink made by several groups of Yuto-Aztec people in Mexico. It's a type of beer made from corn. For the Tarahumara people, this drink is very important and has a special, sacred meaning in their culture. It plays a big part in their community life and traditions.
Contents
What Does Tesgüino Mean?
The name Tesgüino comes from an old language called Nahuatl. In Nahuatl, the word tescuini means "heartbeat." This name shows how important and lively the drink is to the people who make it.
Tesgüino and Tarahumara Traditions
The Tarahumara people have special gatherings every year. One of the most important times is during Easter week, which they call semana santa. During these gatherings, they drink Tesgüino as part of their rituals and celebrations.
An expert named Bill Merrill, who studies cultures, says that when people drink this sacred beverage, it helps them feel free and joyful. He explains that it makes them act "like children" because they feel lighthearted and happy.
Different Kinds of Sugíki Drinks
The Tarahumara people have a general word for any alcoholic drink, which is "Sugíki." But they have more specific names for different types of corn drinks.
- Batári: This is used when the drink is made from corn or a special flour from lichen.
- Paciki: This name is used when the drink is made from fresh corn stalks.
While the Tesgüino made from corn is considered the most sacred, the Tarahumara also make similar drinks from other plants. They use agave and wheat. They also make other special drinks from fruits like peaches, berries, crab apples, cactus fruits, and seeds from the mesquite plant.
How Tesgüino Is Made
Making Tesgüino is a traditional process that takes several days. It involves careful steps to turn corn kernels into the special drink.
Starting with Corn Sprouts
First, corn kernels are soaked in water. Then, they are spread out in a shallow basket. The kernels are covered with pine needles and kept moist for about four or five days. During this time, the corn kernels begin to sprout. This sprouting process is important because it changes the starch in the corn into smaller, sweeter sugars.
Boiling and Fermenting
After the corn has sprouted, it is mashed and then boiled for about eight hours. While this is happening, local herbs are ground up and mixed with water to make a paste. This paste is then left to ferment overnight near a fire.
Finally, the herb paste is combined with the boiled corn liquid. This mixture is then left to ferment for another three to four days. This natural fermentation happens because of wild yeast in the air. A local grass is often used to give the drink its unique flavor, much like hops are used in other beers.
When to Drink Tesgüino
Tesgüino is usually enjoyed very soon after it is made. This is because the drink can go bad or become sour within about 24 hours. So, people start drinking it almost right after it's ready.
