The Chicha Morada: A sweet violet experience

Chicha morada is a drink between purple and black that looks like blood. It is made of boiled purple corn infused with pineapple, cinnamon and cloves - sometimes strawberries and lime as well - served fresh in street markets, fine restaurants and home kitchens throughout Peru. It is a classic mix of local gastronomy - basic or with some modern ornaments - and a relic that has survived centuries of colonial invasion.

Its history and consumption was already widespread in pre-Hispanic times, in advance of the establishment of the Inca Empire.

But apart to be a delicious drink affordable in public markets and in restaurants, the dark color from the corn has amazing healthy properties.

According to Nutraceuticals World Magazine, the purple corn has a powerful antioxidant effect thanks to its anthocyanin content, helping tissue regeneration, promoting blood flow, reducing cholesterol and promoting collagen formation, among others; In this way we benefit from improving circulation, reducing the risks of cataracts, arthritis, diabetes, atherosclerosis and heart disease, and as a preventive food for cancer.

But wait, the wonderful need to prepare at home so it can have the amazing properties. So those ‘chichas moradas’ already in bottle or from envelopes sold in supermarkets, may have a good taste but there are not healthy at all.

So next time meanwhile you visiting Peru try this amazing and sweet drink, what is more enjoy its healthy properties and feel completely renovated!