7 Comments
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Shell at Shovel and Crunch's avatar

Nico, this drink looks so delicious and deeply refreshing. I'm sure your mom would have adored it. Such a special tribute to Peruvian culture! Thanks for sharing it with us. ❤️

Fausto Rodriguez's avatar

Nico. In Toronto, we can occasionally find purple corn. But your aunt Gabriela, my wife, has had prior access to your “blueberry chicha” recipe. She prepared it and it is quite delicious. I recommend it to those who enjoy fruity fresh juices. And the “garnish” tops it off, lovely.

Nico Vera's avatar

Wonderful, gracias Tio!

Sonia's avatar

Love chicha in Lima. Plenty blueberries in UK this time of year so great to be able to try a local version

Nico Vera's avatar

Gracias, enjoy!

Susy Slais's avatar

Nico, I was just commenting about a similar topic—migration and food—yesterday. This made me think again about how migration changes recipes without necessarily erasing their identity. Here the defining ingredient—maíz morado—changes completely, yet so much of chicha morada’s sensory vocabulary remains: the purple color, cinnamon, cloves, citrus, and lime.

I especially love that the blueberries aren’t only a Pacific Northwest substitution; through your mom, they carry a second food memory of their own. It feels less like replacing one ingredient with another and more like letting two places—and two memories—meet in the same glass.

I'll have to give your recipe a try! Blueberries are definitely easier to find than purple corn around here! 😉

Nico Vera's avatar

Susy, gracias for the beautiful and thoughtful observation, it was a wonderful way to describe the multiple meanings behind this recipe.