Tepache is a beverage made from fermented pineapple peel that is not only delicious but also cost-effective and easy to prepare. As if that weren’t enough, it also has a number of health benefits, particularly for our digestive system. To prepare tepache, combine pineapple peels, water, granulated panela (raw sugar cane), and cinnamon sticks in a glass jar. Cover the top of the jar with a cloth to allow the mixture to “breathe,” then let it sit at room temperature for 3 days to ferment.
This fermented drink is great for quenching thirst and cooling down, but it also has properties that are healthy and give the body different benefits.
Easy Way to Make Tepache
Check out the benefits of tepache consumption by following this easy recipe.
TEPACHE
2 liters
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 liters of filtered water
- 1 pineapple (only the peels, well-washed)
- 1 to 2 cinnamon sticks
- ½ cup granulated panela (raw sugar cane)
- 3 cloves (optional)
- 4 allspices (optional)
MATERIALS:
- 1 or several glass jars without lids
- Tea towels or kitchen cloths
- Rubber bands or ties
Note: You must make sure that your glass jars are clean and sanitized. Simply add some boiling water and vinegar to sterilize them, then dry them off.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Heat ½ liter of water with the panela until it dissolves completely. Let it cool down.
- Put it into the glass jar (or several jars).
- Add the pineapple peels, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and the rest of the water. Mix lightly.
- Cover with a tea towel or kitchen cloth and secure with a rubber band or a tie. Store it in a place where it does not receive direct sunlight.
- Stir 1 or 2 times a day. After 2 or 3 days, you will notice a white layer at the top typical of fermentation.
- After 3 days, you can take the peels off, strain the mixture, and put it in the fridge.
- Serve with plenty of ice.
Tips:
Once done, you can check and adjust the sweetness (although tepache is supposed to be sweet, keep an eye on the amount of added sugar you are consuming).
Another option is to add lemon juice and serve it in a frosty glass with chili powder and salt.
Notes:
Cloves, allspice, or other similar spices give a different touch to the drink, depending on your taste.
Due to fermentation, it has a relatively low alcohol concentration, which is roughly 1%.
It is recommended to drink a glass 2 or 3 times a week.
If you continue the fermentation, you can turn it into homemade pineapple vinegar.
Tepache, the Fermented Drink that Helps Reduce Constipation
Fermented drinks like tepache and fermented foods like sauerkraut are good for the microbiome, which is the community of good bacteria in our gut. The fermentation process creates these bacteria, known as “probiotics,” and also produces prebiotics that feed the good bacteria in our intestines.
Bacteria may be associated with bad things as they can cause infection and disease. While some bacteria are harmful, others are necessary for our bodies to function properly.
The healthy bacteria in our guts help our bodies fight bacteria that cause infections, while antibiotics and illnesses can greatly reduce the number of good bacteria. Because of this, we need to eat fermented foods like tepache and other foods with probiotic bacteria.
Tepache has both prebiotic and probiotic properties. This makes it the perfect drink to improve digestion and maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut.
We need to remember that we also need to eat prebiotics along with probiotic bacteria. Prebiotics are the “food” for probiotic bacteria. Since the bacteria in our gut are also living things, they need food to stay alive. As a result, foods and beverages with probiotic and prebiotic properties, like tepache, are great because they provide both the bacteria needed for a healthy gut and the fuel they need to survive.
What Are the Benefits of Pineapple Peel
The following facts will make us think twice before throwing away the pineapple peel:
1. Anti-inflammatory
Bromelain is a strong enzyme that is found in large quantities in pineapple peel and stems. It helps reduce inflammation in the body.
2. Improves the digestive system
The peels not only help with digestion, but they have also been linked to a reduction in intestinal parasites, less constipation and maintaining healthy gut bacteria.
3. Boosts the immune system
It has important levels of vitamin C, which helps prevent and fight diseases.
4. Fights arthritis and joint pain
It works its anti-inflammatory magic on people who have arthritis or joint pain.
5. Protects vision
Beta-carotene and vitamin C are good for treating eye diseases that get worse over time.
6. Strengthens teeth and bones
It helps with the growth, strengthening and healing of bones and teeth. It also helps keep gums clean and healthy.
7. Helps fight cancer
Researchers have found that micronutrients in the peel have the ability to fight tumors and help prevent cancer.
8. Improves blood
Aids in the prevention of blood clot formation, promotes the development of healthy red blood cells, maintains healthy blood vessels and allows blood pressure to remain stable.
9. Helps fertility
It decreases inflammation in the womb, which helps make it a good place for the baby to grow.
10. Prevents asthma
Some research suggests that it may help prevent asthma.
11. Improves libido
It is a natural way to increase libido.
In addition to being incredibly easy to prepare at home, let’s enjoy its wonderful health benefits!
DISCLAIMER
This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read.
