The pineapple is original to Brazil and Paraguay. Before Columbus arrived, the Indians had already introduced it as far north as Central America and throughout the West Indian islands. The Spanish inaugurated trading ships between Acapulco, Mexico and the Phillipines in 1565 and introduced the pineapple to the Phillipines, Hawaii, and Guam. In the state of Veracruz, Mexico, there are huge fields of the low-growing pineapple plants in the foothills of Xalapa. On the road from the city of Veracruz to the Río Papaloapan the roadside vendors display beautifully arranged pineapples and corn cob-stopped rum bottles filled with pineapple vinegar. Pineapple is enjoyed as it is, usually sprinkled with chile and lime, it is used to fill tamales, and it can be used to make a health drink with raw cactus. In Acapulco, pineapple is made into an alcoholic drink called tepache.
When I was eleven I had a sip of tepache that a neighbor made. I thought it was great that you could make fizzy pineapple juice -- with a little kick!
2 Pineapples -- peel only1 oz. Mexican cinnamon sticks
6 Cloves
Pinch Salt
3 cups Organic sugar
1 gal. Water
1 Beer - lager
Place peel in a large non-reactive jar.
Add the cinnamon, cloves, sugar, salt and water. Cover with a cloth or paper towel.
Place in a dark cool place for three days.
Add 1 bottle of beer. Let rest for two more days.
Strain and pour into clean club soda bottles.
And here is the finished product!
Makes about 3 liters.