A clear spirit distilled from fermented cashew apples, sharp and fruity. Portuguese settlers planted cashews for the nut, and the discarded fruit is fermented and distilled in the north, especially around Nampula.
Unlicensed distilling is illegal in Mozambique and almost everywhere else, and running a still without discarding the volatile head is what leaves methanol in the bottle.
What goes into it
- cashew apples — the fruit the nut hangs from
- water
How it is made
The cashew apples, which spoil within a day and are usually thrown away, are pressed and the juice fermented for several days, then distilled in a simple still. The fruit’s astringency has to be dealt with first, traditionally by pressing and settling, or the spirit is undrinkable.
How long it takes: days to ferment, then a day to distil
How it is eaten
Neat in small measures, or with fruit juice.
History
Portuguese settlers planted cashews for the nut; the discarded fruit is fermented and distilled in the north, especially around Nampula.
Frequently asked questions
What is Aguardente de caju?
Aguardente de caju is a wine & spirit from Mozambique: clear spirit distilled from fermented cashew apples, sharp and fruity. Portuguese settlers planted cashews for the nut; the discarded fruit is fermented and distilled in the north, especially around Nampula.
How is Aguardente de caju made?
The cashew apples, which spoil within a day and are usually thrown away, are pressed and the juice fermented for several days, then distilled in a simple still. The fruit’s astringency has to be dealt with first, traditionally by pressing and settling, or the spirit is undrinkable. It takes days to ferment, then a day to distil.
Can I make Aguardente de caju at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. Unlicensed distilling is illegal in Mozambique and almost everywhere else, and running a still without discarding the volatile head is what leaves methanol in the bottle.
What goes into Aguardente de caju?
Cashew apples — the fruit the nut hangs from, water.
How is Aguardente de caju eaten?
Neat in small measures, or with fruit juice.
