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Tequila (Origin, types, properties and benefits)

are you a fan of tequila and want to know everything about it? What is it? Where does it come from? How to drink it? and more. Tequila is a very well known alcoholic beverage all over the world, its flavor and style capture the attention of young and old people who are looking to enjoy. Tequila is a distillate originating in Mexico and is recognized as the most representative drink of the Aztec country, so we will know everything about this charming liquor that is so popular.

what is Tequila?

Tequila is a spirit made by distilling the fermented must obtained from the heart of the plant known as blue agave. Its name comes from the town called Tequila, which is part of the state of Jalisco.

Origin of Tequila

The history of tequila dates back to ancient times, when it was consumed exclusively by Aztec hierarchs and priests at festivals and religious events. The story goes that one day the indigenous people of Jalisco, Mexico, were going through a strong storm and had to take refuge in a cave. A bolt of lightning struck some blue agave crops, causing a fire that, when extinguished, emanated a delicious aroma. Tequila This caught the attention of one of the Indians who was tempted by the smell and tasted a piece, discovering its sweet flavor, so they began to make juices with this discovery. According to the story, one day one of the Indians made his drink with the blue agave leaving it forgotten for several days in his hut, when he returned he found that a new aroma enveloped his home.

And upon observing the drink, he found that a thick white foam had been created on the liquid. When he tasted it, he perceived that it had a totally different and exquisite flavor, so he separated the juice from the foam and kept it for his own consumption.

This new drink changed the personality of the Indian for a long time, so the liquid was considered a gift from the goddess Mayahuel, who fed her children with her four hundred breasts. With the arrival of the Spaniards, the drink was distilled and purified, resulting in a stronger liquor, which was called mezcal wine. But later they would produce two different liquors which they would call mezcal and tequila.

Tequila, whose production was controlled by the conquistadors, became an important source of wealth and in the XVII and XVIII centuries, it was produced to become a characteristic product of Mexico.

what are the types of tequila?

Tequila is a distillate that enjoys worldwide recognition thanks to its great quality, this has led to the fact that according to the Official Norm of Tequila or Mexican Official Norm there are two types of tequila which are: tequila 100% Agave and tequila .

100% Agave

It is the distilled tequila, bottled in Mexico and elaborated only and exclusively from sugars coming from the agave.

Tequila

Tequila must have a minimum of 51% blue agave and 49% sugar. Tequila has five different types depending on its maturation process, which are as follows:

Tequila Blanco

These are considered the purest tequilas since their contact with wood is minimal. After the distillation phase, these tequilas are filtered and this is when both their notes and alcohol levels are adjusted. It is characterized for being colorless with citric notes and with an alcohol content that usually varies between 38% and 46%. They are also known as platinum tequilas.

Young Tequila

It is the result of the combination of white tequila with rReposado or aged tequilas, and is characterized by its golden or amber color. Young tequila is usually softened with flavorings such as caramel, it is rested for a couple of months in oak barrels, which generates soft notes with subtle sweet tones of agave and light oak aroma Its alcohol content is usually between 38% and 40%, they are also known as gold tequilas.

Reposado Tequila

This is the white tequila but is left to rest for more than two months in oak barrels, and can even be for a whole year in barrels. Its time in oak barrels gives the tequila a soft flavor, besides giving it a pleasant aroma and a pale color, this tequila maintains its blue agave flavor and is gentle to the palate.

Añejo Tequila

This tequila has been aged in American oak barrels for no less than 12 months and up to 35 months, which gives it its amber color and wood flavor. Its alcohol content is usually around 40%.

Tequila Extra Añejos

It is the one that rests in barrels for a time not less than 36 months which allows to obtain greater complexity, it has a dark amber tone which it obtains by its aging. Its flavor is usually powerful, which makes it much more elegant.

Characteristics of Tequila

Tequila is an alcoholic beverage of exceptional quality, its flavor and potency make it a delicious option to enjoy. Among the main characteristics of tequila we can mention:

  • It is made exclusively with blue agave, also known as tequilana Weber.
  • For its production, masonry ovens are used where the agave is cut into large pieces which are cooked with steam, allowing them to release a great sweetness.
  • Tequila has a Denomination of Origin, in order to protect its production, so it can only be made in the state of Jalisco, and in some municipalities of Tamaulipas, Nayarit, Guanajuato and Michoacán.
  • It is characterized by its citrus, fruit or vanilla aromas

Properties of tequila

Tequila is a beverage produced by distilling the blue agave plant and has natural properties that give it greater value, these properties are:

  • It has iron
  • It has sodium
  • Contains vitamin B5
  • Contains phosphorus

how many degrees of alcohol does tequila have?

Tequila is a distillate that usually has between 38% and 45% alcohol content, so its consumption should be moderate.

+4 Benefits of tequila that you should know

Tequila provides health benefits, studies have shown that drinking tequila can help glucose levels in the body to level off and decrease, which helps to lose weight. Among the benefits of tequila we can find: Reduces bad cholesterol It has the property of dissolving fats that enter the body, this contributes to the reduction of the so-called bad cholesterol, which improves blood pressure and reduces the risk of cardiac arrest. Avoids stress The moderate consumption of tequila helps to reduce stress and muscle relaxation, which causes the mind to clear, making us forget our problems and feel better.

Strengthens bones It accelerates the fast and effective absorption of calcium, so its moderate consumption is recommended if you have bone problems because it strengthens them. Prevents Diabetes Tequila is made with agave, which stimulates the GLP-1 hormone that increases insulin production.

what is tequila made from?

Tequila is made from Blue Agave or Tequilana Weber, a plant of the Agavaceae family, with long, fibrous, lanceolate, bluish leaves, whose usable part for the production of Tequila is the pineapple or head.

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