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Tepache 101: Exploring the Flavors of Forage Kitchen's Fermented Delights

Darlene Murphy

5 min read

January 28, 2025

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For ages, traditional Mexican homes have relied on tepache, a refreshing, mildly fermented beverage. This drink, made from pineapple find, brown sugar, and spices, is tasty and a great example of sustainability — it uses food waste that would otherwise be thrown away. Even though the original recipe is ageless, we at Forage have given it a new twist, resulting in a beverage that embraces today’s tastes while honoring the past.

In this blog, we’ll discuss Tepache's history, and Forage’s inventive takes on updating this classic liquid refreshment..

The History of Tepache

Tepache's origins can be traced to indigenous populations in pre-Columbian Mexico who made it as a moderately alcoholic beverage. Tepache originally refers to fermented corn and is derived from the Nahuatl term "tepache," which means "to knead or grind maize." As time went on, the recipe evolved to include pineapple, a fruit that was plentiful and naturally sweet, making it ideal for fermenting. Because of its sweet, tangy, and mildly effervescent flavor, tepache is now a cherished component of Mexican cuisine.

Forage Kitchen: A New Take on Tepache

Tepache has reached a new level thanks to Forage. Our process gives the drink a new character by combining surprising aromas and ingredients with traditional fermentation techniques.

1. Creative Infusions of Flavor

While traditional tepache is made using pineapple peels, piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar), and spices like cinnamon, Forage plays with a range of ingredients to create distinctive blends like :

  • Herbs and Botanicals: The beverage's flavor profile is enhanced by the flowery and herbal undertones that ingredients like mint, hibiscus, and lavender add.
  • Spices: In addition to cinnamon; ginger, cloves, and star anise are used to make tepache mixtures that are warming and ideal for cooler weather.
  • Fruits: Tropical fruits like guava or passion fruit, berries, and citrus fruits are incorporated to enhance tepache’s tangy and sweet flavors.
  • Savory Twists: For a more adventurous palate, they explore savory elements like jalapeño or smoked salt, offering a bold contrast to tepache’s sweetness.

2. Rotations by Season

We ensure the freshest flavors year-round by modifying our tepache recipes to reflect seasonal ingredients. Tepache flavored with watermelon and mint compliments summer moods, while variations with apple-cinnamon or pumpkin spice are fall favorites.

3. Probiotic perfection

Our tepache contains probiotics that boost health benefits, making sure our versions are not only tasty but also a powerhouse of gut-friendly bacteria.

Forage’s Fermentation Techniques

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Today, tepache is fermented using traditional methods with a contemporary twist. The procedure includes:

  • Preparation: Water, piloncillo, organic brown sugar, and pineapple peels are mixed together.
  • Flavoring: Depending on the preferred flavor profile, herbs, spices, and fruits are added.
  • Fermentation: Natural yeasts convert the sugars into carbon dioxide and alcohol when the mixture is allowed to ferment for 48 to 72 hours. Fermentation means the drink will have a slight fizziness.
  • Tasting and Refinement: Every batch is meticulously inspected to attain the ideal ratio of carbonation, sweetness, and tanginess.

Tepache: Why? 

Here is a recap of all the reasons you should try tepache:

  • Beyond Taste: Tepache has numerous health and sustainability advantages in addition to being a delicious beverage.
  • Probiotics for Gut Health: Natural probiotics are created during fermentation, which helps with digestion and enhances gut flora.
  • Packed with Nutrients: Vitamin C, antioxidants, and the digestive enzyme bromelain are all found in pineapple peels.
  • Eco-Friendly: Tepache minimizes food waste by using pineapple scraps, which is also in perfect harmony with Forage Kitchen's dedication to sustainability.
  • Natural and low in calories: Tepache is a guilt-free treat devoid of added sugar or artificial ingredients.

Notes on Tasting: What Sets Forage’s Tepache Apart

The tepache from Forage is a sensory experience with each sip. Here is what you can anticipate from us:

  • Sweet and Tangy Base: The mild acidity of fermentation balances the pineapple's inherent sugars.
  • Layered Complexity: Depending on the infusion, you might taste floral notes, warming spices, or zesty citrus highlights.
  • Effervescence: Tepache has a crisp, champagne-like mouthfeel due to its mild fizz.
  • Certified Organic: Forage’s tepache is made from only organic ingredients and brewed in a certified organic facility. 

The tepache from Forage is a stunning example of how to successfully combine innovation and tradition. We have produced something genuinely unique by honoring the history of this well-loved beverage while pushing the envelope with strong flavors and environmentally friendly production methods. Discovering our fermented treats is a worthwhile experience, regardless of your level of experience with tepache.

Every sip conveys a tale of history, inventiveness, and environmental consciousness, from the tart sweetness of pineapple to the cozy embrace of spices. To sample this bubbly masterpiece, why not pour yourself a glass of Forage Kitchen's tepache?

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Darlene Murphy

Darlene is the co-owner of Forage and an expert in restaurant and food marketing, brand development, and public relations for small businesses. She specializes in creating compelling marketing materials, including ad copy, websites, and catalogs, to help brands connect with their audience.