Tequila

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Tequila is a popular spirit that originates in Mexico. It is obtained from the fermented juice of a plant known as blue agave. The culture in question grows within the city of Tequila (Jalisco), which is why distilled alcohol is named that way. According to the locals in this area, the drink has been prepared for more than two centuries. It turns out that the word tequila translates as volcano.

The plant from which the alcoholic beverage is made is very similar to a cactus. But according to experts, agave can not be categorically attributed to this species. It has long, pointed at the end, leaves that are covered with thorns. It can usually be seen in high places that are well lit by the sun. The agave variety needed in tequila production is known as Agave tequilana Weber.

History of tequila

Like many other alcoholic beverages, tequila it also has a thousand-year history. It is believed that a similar drink was prepared 300 years before Christ. At that time, the Aztecs, who then lived within Mexico, managed to obtain juice from the plant Agave tequilana Weber. They then used the liquid to make a special wine that served them during ceremonies. Long after that, in the first quarter of the sixteenth century, when these lands were conquered by the Spaniards, the locals learned about the distillation of alcohol. Thus the juice begins to be distilled and the original type of tequila we know today appears.

Tequila production

As it has already become clear, tequila is produced from the sap of the blue agave plant. It is extracted from its core. When the plant is one year old, it is released from the branches. Its shoots are also removed. Thus, the plant begins to grow and, accordingly, to form more of its juice. When the cultivated plant is ten years old, another very important moment for the growers comes - they can finally extract liquid from its core. This liquid is subsequently distilled. Interestingly, when the agave is ready for use, it acquires a brown color. To collect the juice, cut the leaves of the blue agave.

This leaves only the core, which weighs up to 90 kilograms sometimes. In this pruned form, the plant is very reminiscent of pineapple. From 7 kg of agave core is obtained about a liter tequila. The agave material is subjected to heat treatment so that the starch is converted into sugar.

After boiling and cooling, the core is crushed and the juice is filtered. The liquid thus obtained is mixed with yeast and sometimes with sugar. Then it takes about ten days for the fermentation to proceed. The liquid is then distilled off in two stages. Before bottling, the tequila is aged for some time in wooden barrels. This usually does not last more than three years.

Types of tequila

There are two main types tequila - one which is made solely from blue agave, and a second in the manufacture of which other ingredients are used. Otherwise, golden tequila, silver tequila, mature tequila and over-aged tequila are known on the market. Silver tequila is characterized by the fact that it is bottled almost immediately during the distillation.

Another characteristic feature is transparency. The so-called golden tequila is obtained after caramel or another coloring is added to the already known type. This species has a golden color, which is sometimes due to aging and not to additional coloring. Among the preferred tequilas, however, is the mature one. It matures for up to a year in oak barrels. Undoubtedly the most sophisticated type is the overripe tequila, which is stored in an oak barrel for one to ten years.

Serving tequila

Tequila is poured into special purpose narrow cups, which are known as cabalitos. It is important to know that it should be neither too cold nor too hot. Keep the temperature of the drink moderate. Salt and lemon slices are often used in the consumption of the drink, although their presence is not obligatory at all. As a rule, the palm (more precisely the space between the thumb and forefinger) is rubbed with lemon, then rubbed with salt. Then the palm is licked and the ex is swallowed with a tequila shot. It is not a bad idea to eat a whole slice of lemon afterwards.

Tequila in cooking

Tequila is widely used in the preparation of cocktails. It is combined with lemon juice or lime juice. It can be mixed with tomato juice or orange juice. As well as soft drinks as a tonic. Sometimes the drink is seasoned with hot peppers, which make the action even more explosive. Some lovers of Mexican alcohol boldly add it to hot drinks such as coffee and tea. Others prefer to mix it with gin, cognac, whiskey and vodka. Tequila also manages to infiltrate cooking. It is used in marinating pork, beef and chicken.

Benefits of tequila

As we know, tequila is consumed mainly because of its alcoholic properties. However, scientists believe that it is more than a means of faster relaxation. It turns out that the Mexican drink has a beneficial effect on our health. This property is due to the blue agave juice contained in tequila. Agave has the ability to cure inflammation and soothe. It is believed to help with stomach problems. According to researchers, the substance contained in tequila blue agave helps to reduce excess weight.