Ancient myths can be used to explain strange phenomena, including the mysterious deliciousness of Chicha de Jora. But, this white corn beer has been misunderstood as these commonly believed myths are debunked! Find out what's true or false about this unique and tasty beverage, and dispel any false notions about the texture, appearance and base ingredients of Chicha de Jora. Be prepared to have your preconceived notions of this ancient beer thrown out the window!
Chicha de Jora is a popular traditional beer beverage in Peru. Although the exact history of the drink is unknown, many believe it has origins in the pre-Columbian era. For many years, there have been various myths and incorrect assumptions about the beverage and its brewing process. In this article, we'll debunk three of the most common myths about Chicha de Jora and its brewing process.
In terms of texture and appearance, the malted white corn beer known as Chicha de Jora bears a striking resemblance to milkshake IPAs. But since it's naturally carbonated and unhopped, the similarities end there. Chicha de Jora is generally much sweeter than milkshake IPAs, due to the presence of Tagua nuts and the sweetener Sucrose. It also lacks the distinctive hoppiness of a milkshake IPA.
Chicha de Jora is never brewed with hops, instead relying on a combination of malt and other grains. The most common grain used to make the beverage is dried Peruvian white corn, though other grains, such as quinoa and roasted barley, are also sometimes used. The grain is crushed and soaked in boiling water before fermentation, which helps to produce the drink’s characteristic sweet flavor.
Chicha de Jora is often mistakenly referred to as a sour beer, perhaps due to its acidic taste. However, it's not a sour beer by definition. Instead, it's an ancient beer style that relies on natural fermentation. Unlike sour beers, which are made with special strains of yeast, Chicha de Jora relies on wild yeasts found in the air.
The fermentation process is typically quite lengthy, with fermentation lasting anywhere from one month to a year. This length of time, combined with the wild yeast, can produce a lightly tart taste in the beer. That said, the sourness of the beer can vary greatly depending on the beer-making technique and the types of ingredients used.
Chicha de Jora is relatively easy to make, though there are a few steps involved in the brewing process which can be time-consuming and difficult. The process typically begins with malting the grains, followed by mashing and fermenting them. Once the fermentation is complete, the beer can be flavored and aged.
One of the most time-consuming aspects of the brewing process is cleaning and grinding the grains. The grains have to be boiled, then cooled and ground finely. Afterward, the wort must be allowed to cool before being seasoned and fermented. Ultimately, brewing a successful batch of Chicha de Jora requires patience and good beer-making skills.
Despite its reputation as a challenging beer to make, with a little practice, anyone can make a good batch of Chicha de Jora. Once mastered, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Chicha de Jora is an ancient beer style that has long been popular in Peru. In recent years, it’s become increasingly popular among craft brewers around the world. Despite its traditional image, the beer-making process for Chicha de Jora is surprisingly straightforward and can be done with relative ease.
The three most common myths about Chicha de Jora have been debunked—it is not a sour beer, it does not resemble a milkshake IPA, and it is not difficult to brew. With a little patience and knowledge, anyone can make a delicious batch of Chicha de Jora.