Tequila is an alcoholic drink that is a real pride and an integral part of Mexican culture. Tequila has been exported from Mexico to other countries for centuries. The production of the drink is carefully monitored, and a special commission - the Supervision Council - monitors the implementation of the recipe.
The main product for making tequila
The main raw material for the production of tequila is a plant called blue agave. Mexican alcoholic drink is made from agave juice, which is distilled several times in special vats.
Collecting blue agave fruit is a demanding and very hard job. There is even a special profession “himador”, and special skills are passed down from generation to generation.
Blue agave grows mainly in high mountain areas. Outwardly, the plant resembles both a cactus and a pineapple. Long leaves reach a length of 2 m, an arrow with flowers first develops in the core, and then a fruit with many seeds is formed. It is noteworthy that the life cycle of an agave is limited to only three missions - first the plant develops, then blooms and forms a fruit. After these actions, the agave dies.
Tequila production process
For the production of tequila, the juice of the blue agave fruit is used. The plant reaches approximately eight years of age at the time of fruit formation. The pulp is carefully pressed, squeezed out, and the resulting juice is mixed with a small amount of water and special yeast.
Agave juice with additives is processed twice and thoroughly cleaned. The result of such actions is the receipt of a completely transparent alcoholic drink with a strength of up to 55%. Tequila is stored in two ways - in metal containers or wooden barrels. By the way, it is the second storage method that affects the appearance of the brownish tint of the drink. To reduce the strength, manufacturers usually use the usual method of dilution with water.
Tequila varieties
There are quite a few varieties of tequila at the moment. However, the main division, depending on the aging period, implies the selection of four types - Blanco (white tequila), Reposado (stored in oak barrels), Joven (tequila with caramel) and Anejo (aging up to 5 years). Detailed recipes for some types of tequila were not disclosed.
The blue agave fruit reaches a weight of 100 kg. Some specimens grow up to 200 kg, but they are extremely rare in nature.
Interesting facts about tequila
During the flu epidemic in Mexico, according to residents of the country, traditional medicines were often replaced with tequila. Thus, the traditional way of drinking this alcoholic drink with salt and lime emerged.
The Mexican government pays special attention to the observance of the rules for the production of the traditional national drink. There are even special supervisory bodies in the country - the Tequila Producers Association, the Regulatory Council, and blue agave plantations are a UNESCO heritage. It is noteworthy that blue agave grows only in Mexican territories.
