The health benefits of pulque give you plenty of reasons to indulge in the delicious fermented beverage.
Mexico’s ancestors enjoyed pulque and it is still popular today.
Read on to discover the significance and many health benefits of pulque.
History and Cultural Significance
Pulque is an alcoholic beverage made from the fermented sap of the agave plant (the same plant used to make tequila and mezcal).
Similar to kombucha, pulque is about as alcoholic as beer.
The fermentation process is incredibly fast – only taking a matter of hours.
It is best enjoyed fresh and can’t be transported easily, which is why the drink has remained a part of Mexican culture rather than a beverage known and enjoyed worldwide.
Serious Eats adds, “It was believed to be the nectar of the gods; it became the preferred drink of emperors; more recently, it was considered the scourge of the unwashed masses, which led to its colonial-era ban; and now, finally, it has become a beverage enjoyed by old-timers and young hipsters alike.”
The first evidence of pulque is displayed in a mural called “Los Bebedores,” or “The Drinkers,” from 1000 BC.
However, many believed that pulque was a gift from the gods to the Aztecs and was treated as a sacred drink.
As a result of the alcoholic pulque, the god Quetzalcoatl fled upon drinking it and did not return until the arrival of Spanish colonizers.
When the Aztec empire fell, the people were then able to imbibe in pulque – and the people loved it!
With the growth of railroads, pulque could be enjoyed farther from Mexico City, spreading its delicious and nutritious flavor across the country.
So much so that it became the leading alcoholic beverage in Mexico.
Eventually, the beer companies tried to turn the people away from pulque and onto beer.
They pushed a narrative that pulque was primitive and beer was superior.
Nevertheless, pulque persisted and today is recognized not only for its unique taste but also for its many health benefits.
If you are interested in learning more about the historical and cultural significance of pulque, you can visit the Museo del Pulque y las Pulquerías —MUPyP in Mexico City. The Pulque Museum is located directly above a working pulqueria.
Potential Health Benefits of Pulque
In addition to simply being an enjoyable adult beverage, pulque has many reported health benefits.
- Packed with nutrients. Pulque contains minerals, amino acids, and vitamins C and B.
- Probiotic content. Masa America says, “Dyspepsia, diarrhea, anemia, griping, and gastrointestinal infections can all benefit from the probiotic organisms in the liquid as these organisms have an antagonistic activity against many pathogenic bacteria and fungi.”
- Gut health benefits. Lactobacilli and mucilages found in pulque are known to repair issues within the gastrointestinal tract. Plus, these same bacteria can prevent stomach infections from intestinal microorganisms. It can prevent and ease diarrhea.
- Immune system support. Pulque stimulates the immune system because of its nutritional qualities and probiotics.
- Iron absorption. Studies have shown that iron and calcium levels were higher in women who regularly consume 800 ml/day of pulque.
- Breastfeeding. Pulque has been known to improve the production of breast milk.
- Diuretic. Pulque can be used to treat urinary tract infections.
- Relieve coughing. When consumed warm, pulque can provide relief from coughing and as an expectorant.
- Sleep aid. Pulque can help people sleep as it contains melatonin.
- Lowers cholesterol. El Universal explains, “A team of researchers from the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) discovered that the ancient elixir helps reduce cholesterol, for it contains an enzyme called bile salt hydrolase.”
The health benefits of pulque are not exaggerated – research proves it is quite medicinal.
According to Masa America, “Preliminary research into pulque has demonstrated potential effects such as improving immune system effectiveness (Franco-Robles & Lopez 2015), improving bowel acidity, the reduction of colorectal cancer risks and inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) and the reduction of hypertension (Yeo et al. 2009).”
Pulque Consumption and Safety
Pulque is a fizzy, acidic drink that can be enjoyed plain or flavored.
A pulqueria is the best place to get a fresh taste of pulque – and get to see its cultural significance as most pulquerias are local to Mexico City.
Head to a pulqueria to enjoy different flavors with people young and old alike.
But don’t go too crazy!
Pulque is an alcoholic beverage, so it should be enjoyed responsibly.
Typically, pulque has an ABV of about 5 – 7 percent, which is about the same as a standard beer.
For this reason, pulque is not recommended for pregnant women because of the adverse effects of alcohol on fetal development.
And remember, in Mexico, the legal drinking age is 18 years old. This drinking age applies to pulque.
For those who aren’t able to find a close pulqueria, you can make a similar beverage at home using agave.
Here is a recipe for Home Brewed “Pulquezo”: Hybrid Agave Beer from the Homebrewer’s Association
Ingredients for 5 gallons:
- 4 lb | liquid malt extract
- 4 lb | Agave nectar (light or amber)
- 1 lb | Carapils Dextrin malt
- 2 oz | Cascade hops
Directions:
- Steep grains for 30 minutes at 160°F (71°C).
- Remove grains, add agave nectar and malt extract, and bring to full boil.
- Add hops.
- Keep at a rolling boil for 30 minutes.
- Remove from heat, let sit for five minutes.
- Ferment with California Ale yeast.
