Last Updated on April 11, 2023 by Chef Mireille
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Peruvian Purple Corn Drink is a refreshing summer drink made from Peruvian blue/purple corn. This dried corn packs a punch of flavor in this non alcoholic refresher that is also packed with anti oxidants.
You can easily turn Peruvian Chicha Morada into a delicious cocktail by adding some Pisco (Peruvian brandy).
Not only is this a delicious drink, but it utilizes pineapple peels and apple skin, making it a great way to practice avoiding food waste.
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Peruvian cuisine is in my top three of favorite South American cuisines. Suriname is #1 because of my family connection to the country so that cuisine is food that I grew up eating so it’s comfort food to me. #2 is Brazil with its multi cultural cuisine and especially the African influenced food of the Bahia people. Peruvian cuisine I love because of their affinity for spicy food with a variety of pepper pastes used.
Believe it or not the most memorable occasion I have with Peruvian food..or really I should say drink…happened in college…
One of my best friends growing up was Peruvian (yes, Zandra I’m talking about you) and I had many meals at her house from the age of 8…and drinks. On one occasion when we were about 18 or 19, a bunch of girls were hanging out drinking and talking. We ran out of drinks, but no one wanted to go outside to buy more. Her parents were away in Peru, so it was just us and her brother in the other part of the house staying as far away from us as possible.
He was in the male minority and had no interest in being anywhere near some slightly intoxicated teenage girls. He was about 6 years older than us and as long as we didn’t burn anything down, he wanted absolutely nothing to do with us.
Now before I continue, when I say we were drinking, at that age we mostly consumed wine coolers and beer which has a very low alcohol content. None of us drank hard liquor at that point. Zandra went into her parent’s secret stash of a home brewed alcohol her parents had and OMG to date, this is the strongest alcohol I have ever tasted. With this alcohol that went straight to my head in one shot and with only 1 1/2 hours of sleep, I somehow managed to get to work the next day ( it was summer vacation from school and I worked at an answering service at the time), although the whole day was a blur. Wow to be 18 again and be able to survive on no sleep!
Anyway, years later as I began to explore the foods of different countries, I realized it was a home made version of fermented Chicha that I drank. In Peru, there is both this non alcoholic version of Chicha Morada as well as a fermented version that is distilled into an alcoholic beverage. I think I have too many foggy memories of the alcoholic version that this is one drink I generally stick to the non alcoholic version.
Even without fermentation, you can easily add a little of your favorite liquor to easily turn Chicha Morada into a delicious cocktail.
Peruvian Chicha Morada is not only delicious, but healthy too!
So even when I go to my favorite Peruvian restaurant in NYC, Urubamba Restaurant I always stick with the non alcoholic Chicha Morada – Peruvian Purple Corn Drink
Purple Corn FAQ
What is purple corn?
Purple corn is a dried corn product, sold in Latin American stores. It can sometimes be found in regular supermarkets with good international sections.
Where should you look for it?
When you go on the search for the corn, it is sometimes sold as blue corn and sometimes as purple corn. It is a dried corn product so you will need to look for it in the dry goods section of the supermarket. Unless the supermarket is divided by region, it will be in the same area where other grains like flour, etc. are sold.
Are there any substitutes?
In many health food stores and gourmet supermarkets, you can find purple corn powder and make an instant version of Chica Morada.
Health Benefits of Purple Corn
Although I have been eating purple corn for many years, it has recently been coined as another super food. For this reason, extracts and powders of purple corn can now often be found in health food stores or organic markets.
If you still want to try adding purple corn to your diet and can’t find the dried purple corn, these other substitutions you can can try.
However, the real thing is definitely preferable.
So what are the health benefits of purple corn?
- Purple Corn has one of the highest anti oxidant levels found in nature.
- Studies have shown that purple corn can help with high blood pressure, kidney health and eye health. It is also a natural anti inflammatory.
Another way to enjoy all of the health benefits is to use purple corn flour the next time you make tortillas.
Chicha Morada – Peruvian Purple Corn Drink has a taste similar to a drink from the Caribbean called sorrel, made from hibiscus. See my Sorrel Recipe here. If you just can’t lay your hands on purple corn, dried hibiscus is a good substitute, but first try these online sources.
Where To Buy Purple Corn
- Amigo Foods
- Amazon
- Mi Tierra Supermarkets (NYC area)
Do you practice Zero Waste?
Making your kitchen and your home a place of zero waste not only saves you money, but also helps save the planet.
Getting extra use out of food products is definitely a way to practice zero waste.
The next time you purchase some pineapple and apples, save some of the skin and stick it in the freezer until you are ready to make your Chicha Morada.
If you are interested in learning more Zero Waste Recipes, check out my Zero Waste Series I have on Instagram.
Ingredients
- dried purple corn
- Skin of 1 pineapple
- Skin of 1 apple cleaned very well; use organic, if available
- cinnamon stick
- cloves
- sugar
- lime juice
How to make Peruvian Purple Corn Drink
- Boil dried purple corn, pineapple skin, apple skin, spices and water together.
- Add lime juice and sugar.
- Chill and serve.
In addition to Chicha Morada, you can also make Mazamorra Morada, which is a delicious pudding made with the same purple corn.
Chicha Morada – Peruvian Purple Corn Drink
Equipment
Ingredients
- 15 oz. purple corn
- Skin of 1 pineapple
- Skin of 1 apple cleaned very well; use organic, if available
- 2 cinnamon stick
- 5 cloves
- 4 quarts water
- 1 cup sugar or more, according to taste
- juice of 2 limes
Instructions
- Combine corn, pineapple skin, apple skin, cinnamon sticks, cloves and 2 quarts of the water to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes. Strain. Reserve 1 piece of pineapple skin and 1 blue corn cob.
- Return strained liquid to the pot and add the remaining 2 quarts of water, lime juice and sugar.
- Bring to a boil again. Reduce to a simmer and cook for another 30 minutes.
- In a large pitcher, place the reserved pineapple and corn cob. Pour Chicha Morada into pitcher and chill in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to infuse the liquid as it is chilling.
- Serve cold over ice (or not), as desired.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Very Exotic!!!!
wow…something really different..wonder how it tastes like….
this was enlightening…never ventured that part of the world , literally as well as via culinary expeditions…liked this drink…wonder what I can use insteaed of purple corn…regular american corn + purple cabbage?
Wow never heard of purple corns!..so much to learn still..
Purple corn,am seeing for the first time, Seriously Mireille am learning so many new things from u..chicha morada looks fabulous.
Purple corn on the cob? This is the first time that I'm hearing of it! The juice looks real interesting and has a lovely colour
This is the first time I'm hearing the usage of pineapple skin in a recipe….wondering what is the flavor/taste that it imparted. Love the color of the drink and I kinda like the name too…sounds sassy 😉
Very new drink for me…need lots of time and patience to put together, nicely done, thanks for sharing it with us and with Spotlight ; summer cooler
can u believe I just read that we get multi colored corn too!!..it looks like gems and rubies..love this purple one cool..man..a new one for sure.
First time seeing purple corn. Every time I come to your space am learning something new.
Interesting drink..
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That's really interesting!
I take it that you didn't chew the corn and spit it into a vat… that's the way I got sick on it in Peru. It is really a delicious drink.
I’ve never seen purple or blue corn but would certainly like to use it. This drink looks exotic and love the colour. Its always a pleasure to learn about different cuisines on your blog.
Thanks I am sure you will love it
Wow that is an interesting drink and exotic at that. Love it Mir.
When they start exporting blue corn to India you should definitely try it!
It looks truly exotic. I have seen blue corn but never ventured to buy it or even taste it so far.
Never had a chance to see purple corn here, chicha morada looks vibrant and catchy.
You should look out for it. I think you will love it!
Awesome awesome.. Looks so pleasing and rich !!
its quite light and refreshing…especially on a hot summer day!
I have never seen purple corn. The drink sounds very exotic and delicious too.
It is unique to South America and especially Peru where it is used in several recipes. Unless you live somewhere with a large Latin American community, it will be difficult to find unless you go to online sources.