Do you know what tequila is made from?
Did you know that tequila is made from the blue agave plant? Or how about the fact that it can only be made in five areas of Mexico? Learn more interesting facts about tequila from our guide below.
What is the main ingredient in tequila?
In order to produce tequila, it must be made from ripe blue agave plants. These types of plants take a minimum of six years to mature before then can be made into tequila.
What plant is tequila made from?
Tequila is made exclusively out of the blue agave plant. The cultivation of the plants is what takes the most amount of time in the overall tequila making process. Some blue agave plants can take up to 12 years to reach maturity.
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How do they make tequila?
The heart of the agave plant is called a piña, and this is what’s used to make tequila. After the plant has matured, it produces one flower and then dies. Right before the plant begins to flower, the shoot of the plant gets cut out, which preserves all of the starch inside the piña.
The piñas get their name because they resemble a pineapple. They have an average weight of 70 lbs, but can reach up to 220 lbs. Once they’re cut out, the hearts are halved, quartered, and slow roasted in ovens known as ‘hornos’ for up to 48 hours. They can also be baked quicker in steam ovens called ‘autoclaves’ for 7 hours. During the cooking process, the starches inside the piñas are converted into fermentable sugars.
After the hearts are finished roasting, they are pressed in machines and shredded, which releases the sugary juice inside. Then, the juice is added to tanks and yeast is added so it can ferment.
The liquid ferments for 24-96 hours. Distillers will on occasion add some agave fibers into the liquid to add aromatic flavors. This liquid has a 6% alcohol content and must be distilled a minimum of two times. After distilling it and evaporating, the alcohol content will range from 35%-50%.
What is the best way to drink tequila?
The best way to drink tequila depends on your personal preference. Some people prefer to take it as a shot, while others like mixed drinks. If you’re going to be drinking tequila straight, then make sure you get a good bottle of tequila. When it comes to tequila, quality really does matter and you’ll be able to tell the difference between a cheap bottle or a more expensive one. Check out our blog to learn the best way to drink tequila.
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