Tequila – alcoholic drink which is the true pride and an integral part of the Mexican culture. From Mexico, tequila is exported to other countries throughout many centuries. Production of drink is carefully controlled, and execution of a compounding is monitored by the special commission – Council for supervision.
Main product for production of tequila
The main raw materials for production of tequila is the plant which is called blue an agave. The Mexican alcoholic drink is done of agave juice which is several times overtaken in special tubs.
Collecting fruits of a blue agave – responsible and very hard work. There is even a special profession "khimador", and special skills pass from father to son.
The blue agave grows mainly in mountain territories. The plant resembles at the same time a cactus and pineapple superficially. Long leaves reach in length of 2 m, in a core at first the arrow with flowers develops, and then the fruit with a set of seeds is formed. It is remarkable that the cycle of life of an agave is limited to only three missions – at first the plant develops, then blossoms and forms a fruit. After these actions the agave perishes.
Process of production of tequila
For production of tequila use juice of a fruit of a blue agave. The plant by the time of formation of a fruit reaches approximately eight-year age. Pulp is carefully pressed, wrung out, and the turned-out juice mixes up with a small amount of water and special yeast. Agave juice with additives is twice processed and carefully purified. Receiving absolutely clear alcoholic drink with a strength up to 55% becomes result of such actions. Store tequila in two ways – in metal tanks or wooden barrels. By the way, the second storage technique influences emergence of a brownish shade of drink. Producers, as a rule, apply a usual way of dilution to decrease in fortress water.
Tequila grades
Types of tequila at the moment exists very much. However the main division depending on the term of endurance means allocation of four types – Blanco (white tequila), Reposado (it is stored in oak casks), Joven (tequila with caramel) and Anejo (the term of endurance reaches 5 years). Detailed recipes of some types of tequila aren't disclosed.
The fruit of a blue agave reaches the weight of 100 kg. Separate copies grow also to 200 kg, however in the nature meet extremely seldom.
The interesting facts about tequila
In the period of a flu epidemic in Mexico as residents of the country tell, traditional drugs were often replaced with tequila. Thus, there was a traditional direction of use of this alcoholic drink with salt and a lime. The government of Mexico pays special attention to observance of rules of production of traditional national drink. In the country even special bodies of supervision are framed – the Association of producers of tequila, Council of regulation, and plantations with a blue agave are property of UNESCO. It is remarkable that the blue agave only in the Mexican territories grows.