The Amazing
Purple Corn
Purple corn
is a close relative of our yellow corn and is grown in the Andean regions of
Peru.
This
ancient healing food has been cultivated already centuries ago by the Incas and
is still very popular among modern Peruvians.
Among its
many health benefits is its high content of anti-oxidants. It is also anti-
inflammatory, helpful against diabetes and has a great weight loss potential.
Its deep,
rich color has been used traditionally to color food.
In modern
Peruvian cuisine it’s used for many purposes. Recently I tried Cheesecake with a
Chicha topping, a real culinary Highlight.
A
refreshing, customary drink called Chicha Morada is made by boiling the purple
corn.
This
vitalizing, cool drink is all natural, very refreshing and cause of its
gorgeous color a real treat for the eyes.
To prepare
Chicha Morada you need:
2l water
½ kg purple
corn
½ Pineapple
3 limes
The peel of
½ kg apples
3 cloves
1 cinamon
stick
½ cup of
sugar
Preparation:
Bring the water to boil with all the above mentioned
ingredients except for the sugar and the lime juice.
Then lower
the temperature to moderate heat and let simmer for about 45 minutes.
Let cool
down and drain.
Serve ice
cold. You can keep the Chicha Morada in
the fridge for 2-3 days.
*Note: add
the sugar and lime juice just before serving to prevent fermentation!
Serves 8-10
Enjoy!
What a fun looking drink! Plus, I love anything purple.
ReplyDeleteIt's the most intense purple you can imagine8 so you would like it:)), and the taste is very refreshing.
DeleteThat is gorgeous looking corn! Such a great color. And that drink looks spectacular. I don't think I've ever seen this corn in our markets, but maybe it's at one of the specialty grocers, and I've missed it - I'll definitely look for it. Thanks for this.
ReplyDeleteI suppose you can buy the purple corn as well at grocers that are specialized in Latin American food.
DeleteGlad that you liked the post!
Hi Daniela, first time I see purple corn, love the colour look so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the information.
Your Chicha Morada look so refreshing, looking at ingredients I'm sure it's very tasty. The last picture...I help myself, self service. Slurrpppppppp LOL
Have a lovely week ahead, take care my dear.
Hi Amelia,
DeleteThe Chicha Morada is really refreshing and healthy, best of two worlds :)
So glad you liked the post.
Have a great weekend!
This purple corn is so pretty. And I would never have thought of using it in a drink! What a refreshing looking drink it is xx
ReplyDeleteThank you for the kind feedback!
DeleteSuppose it's very hot in Australia right now, ideal for a glass of fresh Chicha Morada!
I've heard about purple corn, but never seen the actual corn. This was a fun post! Now I can say I've seen purple corn! I'm impressed with your drink too. Now I only wish that I could try this drink... :)
ReplyDeleteHi Nami,
ReplyDeleteit was really impressive to see this deep rich natural color.
And now in summer ( for us in Peru :) ) it's so refreshing to have a cool drink of Chicha Morada and good for your health too.
i wasn't even aware of any other corn besides yellow corn but this looks beautiful and that drink has an incredible color :D
ReplyDeleteThank you,so glad you liked the post!
DeleteActually it's not very easy to find purple corn ( except for some grocery stores specialized in South American food), but the Chicha Morada tastes great and is very healthy too :)
What an incredible website. Everything is so vibrant and colorful. When the picture of the purple corn first came up I naively thought "wow, how did she dye that so dark". I have been educated. I live in Florida. I just tried purple yams, so I will keep an eye out for purple corn. Thanks for visiting my website!
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel,
Deletethank you,very happy you like my blog!
The color of this corn is really incredible and as I can see from several comments, it's not very well known until now.
Great that the color inspired you, maybe for creating another pair of beautiful earrings? :)
I love this purple corn. It is amazing! Incorporating it with cloves, apples, pineapple, and limes sounds very delicious. Love the pictures :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Judy,wish I could invite you a glass of this Chicha Morada, it's really delicious!
DeleteAnd I thought the only purple foods were aubergines and purple cabbage! So beautiful to look at and healthy too. I like the combo of citrus + star anise.
ReplyDeleteHi Meenakshi,
Deleteso happy to hear that there is now a new item on your list of purple food
:))
Thank you for your kind feedback!