A fermented drink made from boiled peach-palm fruit, drunk in the Ecuadorian Amazon by Kichwa and Shuar communities during the chonta harvest, which has a festival of its own.
It is a seasonal ceremonial drink of specific Amazonian communities, made with a fruit that has to be climbed for and boiled to be edible at all, and it produces alcohol.
What goes into it
- chonta — peach palm fruit
- water
How it is made
The fruit is boiled until soft, peeled and mashed, and left in a covered vessel for a day or two while wild yeasts ferment it. In the traditional practice a portion is chewed to start the conversion, as with cassava chicha. It is served cloudy and thick.
How long it takes: one to three days
How it is eaten
From a bowl at the chonta festival and through the harvest season.
History
Made by Amazonian Kichwa and Shuar communities during the chonta harvest, which has its own festival.
Frequently asked questions
What is Chicha de chonta?
Chicha de chonta is a wine & spirit from Ecuador: fermented drink from boiled peach-palm fruit, drunk in the Amazon. Made by Amazonian Kichwa and Shuar communities during the chonta harvest, which has its own festival.
How is Chicha de chonta made?
The fruit is boiled until soft, peeled and mashed, and left in a covered vessel for a day or two while wild yeasts ferment it. In the traditional practice a portion is chewed to start the conversion, as with cassava chicha. It is served cloudy and thick. It takes one to three days.
Can I make Chicha de chonta at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. It is a seasonal ceremonial drink of specific Amazonian communities, made with a fruit that has to be climbed for and boiled to be edible at all, and it produces alcohol.
What goes into Chicha de chonta?
Chonta — peach palm fruit, water.
How is Chicha de chonta eaten?
From a bowl at the chonta festival and through the harvest season.
